Cheesy Beef & Pepper Rigatoni is the kind of dinner that instantly wins over everyone at the table with its rich, savory flavors and irresistibly melty cheese. This hearty baked pasta dish pairs tender rigatoni with juicy ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy tomato sauce that clings to every bite. It’s comfort food at its finest—the mozzarella and parmesan on top bubble beautifully under the broiler, and every forkful delivers a taste of home. Whether it’s a family meal, a potluck favorite, or a weeknight pick-me-up, Cheesy Beef & Pepper Rigatoni is always a crowd-pleaser and is destined to become your new go-to pasta bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheesy Beef & Pepper Rigatoni is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each item on this list plays its part in giving the dish bold flavor, creamy texture, and that eye-catching golden top.
- Rigatoni pasta: The ridged, tube-shaped noodles catch every bit of sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and helps all those veggies and beef cook up irresistibly tender.
- Ground beef: Brings hearty, savory flavor and satisfying richness to each bite.
- Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed, it adds mellow sweetness and aroma.
- Garlic: Minced for a punch of classic Italian flair.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet, colorful, and adds a touch of crunch.
- Green bell pepper: Slightly earthy and bright, it balances the red pepper perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together with unmistakable flavor.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds just a bit of warmth and depth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
- Tomato sauce: Rich, tangy, and makes the base of that luscious sauce.
- Heavy cream: Swirled in for ultra-creaminess and a gorgeous silky finish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, both inside and on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the baked top a savory, golden crust.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled for a burst of color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Cheesy Beef & Pepper Rigatoni
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by boiling the rigatoni in plenty of salted water according to package directions. Cook until just al dente—this way, the noodles will soak up all that creamy, cheesy sauce later on without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside, giving them a gentle toss with a little olive oil if you like to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Break the beef into crumbles as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. This is where the hearty flavor foundation is built, so don’t rush it! Once browned and cooked through, drain excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper straight into the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally—the onions should turn translucent and the peppers will soften, layering in lots of color and sweetness.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re craving a touch of heat. Give everything a good toss, then pour in the tomato sauce. Stir until well combined, turn down the heat, and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all those flavors melt together into a deep, tomatoey richness.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a delightful pink and creamy hue. Add half of the shredded mozzarella and mix until it melts straight into the sauce, delivering ultimate lusciousness in every bite of Cheesy Beef & Pepper Rigatoni.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Toss the cooked rigatoni noodles right into the sauce mixture and give everything a good stir. You want every noodle lovingly coated with the beefy, peppery, and creamy sauce. This is when the kitchen starts to smell downright irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Transfer everything into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the parmesan cheese over the top. For that gorgeous bubbly and golden finish, broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melty and just starting to brown.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
As soon as the dish comes out of the oven, sprinkle over some fresh chopped parsley. This final step adds a pop of color and lifts all the rich, cheesy flavors.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef & Pepper Rigatoni
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley is classic, but extra parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes add both color and flavor. For a special finish, drizzle with a touch of good olive oil or scatter a handful of chopped fresh basil over the bubbly cheese.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Beef & Pepper Rigatoni pairs wonderfully with a lightly dressed green salad, some garlic bread, or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. These sides help balance out the richness and create a complete, oh-so-satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in oven-safe ramekins so everyone gets their own bubbly cheesy top. Or, scoop the piping-hot pasta into a hollowed-out rustic bread loaf for an edible bowl—perfect for family-style dining or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Beef & Pepper Rigatoni stores beautifully. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ready for fuss-free lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly! Assemble the pasta but don’t bake it—cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed. Individual portions can also be packed into freezer-safe containers for even easier reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the cheesy magic, reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and bubbly, about 15 minutes. If you’re reheating a single serving, a minute or two in the microwave will do the trick, though a quick broil afterward revives that irresistible cheesy top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or even fusilli will all work well. The key is to choose a shape with ridges and heft, so the sauce and cheese cling to every bite just like with rigatoni.
Can I swap the beef for sausage or turkey?
Definitely. Italian sausage (mild or spicy) brings extra flavor, or ground turkey keeps things a bit lighter while still soaking up the creamy, savory sauce. Just follow the same cooking instructions as for beef.
Is there a way to make Cheesy Beef & Pepper Rigatoni vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the beef and add in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or more colorful peppers. The creamy sauce and cheese will still make this dish feel hearty and indulgent.
How can I add more veggies to the dish?
Sneak in a couple handfuls of baby spinach, kale, or chopped mushrooms with the bell peppers. They’ll cook down beautifully right in the sauce, blending in with all the delicious flavors.
Can I prepare Cheesy Beef & Pepper Rigatoni ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble everything up until the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready for dinner, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort and big, beautiful flavors, you simply have to try Cheesy Beef & Pepper Rigatoni. It’s cheesy, hearty, and guaranteed to bring smiles to every table—so gather your favorite people and dig in to a pasta bake you’ll want to make again and again!
