This hearty Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is pure comfort in a bowl. Imagine tender rigatoni pasta coated in a rich, savory tomato and ground beef sauce, elevated by a luscious touch of cream and finished with grated Parmesan cheese.
It’s a delicious, family-friendly dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table, making it an instant classic for busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni
You’ll quickly discover why this creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni will become a staple in your meal rotation. It offers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
- Deliciously Satisfying: The rich, savory sauce and hearty pasta make for a truly comforting meal.
- Quick, Easy Weeknight Meal: Prepare this impressive dish in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
- Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You likely have most of these pantry staples already on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prepping: It reheats beautifully, making lunch the next day a breeze.
- Crowd-Pleasing Pasta Dish: Everyone at the table, from kids to adults, will ask for seconds.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your irresistible Parmesan Beef Rigatoni:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. Feel free to adjust based on what you have. For the ground meat, ground turkey or Italian sausage works wonderfully. If rigatoni isn’t available, penne, ziti, or cavatappi are excellent pasta shape alternatives.
You can substitute diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for crushed tomatoes, though sauce might require longer simmering.
Dried thyme or Italian seasoning can replace oregano. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based heavy cream substitute, adjusting to taste.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this easy beef rigatoni recipe.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven (for the sauce)
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using a block of Parmesan)
Instructions For The Best Parmesan Beef Rigatoni
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Parmesan Beef Rigatoni that your family will adore.
- Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Brown the Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain Excess Fat: Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This prevents the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to your taste. Start with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, then adjust later.
- Simmer to Thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine with Rigatoni: Add the cooked, drained rigatoni directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until all the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve Immediately: Divide the creamy beef pasta among serving plates. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your Parmesan Beef Rigatoni turns out perfectly every time with these helpful hints.
- Achieve Perfectly Browned Beef: Don’t overcrowd your skillet. Brown the beef in batches if necessary for a deeper flavor.
- Prevent Mushy Pasta: Cook your rigatoni strictly to al dente. It will finish cooking slightly in the warm sauce.
- Enhance Sauce Flavor: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick. A bay leaf during simmering deepens the savory notes.
- Adjust Seasoning Effectively: Always taste your sauce before combining with pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
- Fix an Overly Thick or Thin Sauce: If too thick, add reserved pasta water. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile beef rigatoni dish is wonderful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with other sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness.
- Extra Parmesan: Offer additional grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover creamy beef rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in short bursts until heated through. Freezing is possible for up to 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Variations
- Add Vegetables: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of sauce simmering.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch or two of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a touch of heat.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other dried herbs like thyme or a pre-made Italian seasoning blend.
- Cheesy Additions: Mix in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta cheese when adding the Parmesan for extra creaminess.
Nutrition Information
Please note that this nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and standard portion sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and exact serving sizes. This recipe is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
According to Autor Foods, nutritional information on food products is calculated by summing the nutritional value of each ingredient, considering any changes during processing.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650-750 |
| Protein | 40-50g |
| Total Fat | 30-40g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-20g |
| Carbohydrates | 50-60g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
| Sugars | 5-8g |
| Cholesterol | 100-120mg |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other ground meat?
Absolutely, ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage are great alternatives for this recipe. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
How can I make it less creamy?
Simply reduce the amount of heavy cream by half, or omit it entirely for a more traditional red sauce. You can add a splash of milk for a slight creaminess.
Can I prepare this ahead?
You can make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh before serving.
Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni truly delivers on both flavor and convenience. With its rich, savory sauce, tender rigatoni, and creamy finish, it’s a meal that promises comfort and satisfaction without hours in the kitchen.
We encourage you to try this delightful recipe tonight and experience why it’s destined to become a new favorite in your home. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of homemade comfort food!
Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up, until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Mix in dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer the sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream and ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese as desired.
