Chipotle Cheese Ground Beef Rigatoni Bake

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces rigatoni
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook rigatoni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
4. 4 Add ground beef to skillet, breaking into crumbles. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
5. 5 Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chipotle peppers. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. 6 Mix cooked rigatoni with beef mixture in a large bowl. Stir in cream cheese until melted.
7. 7 Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. 8 Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.
9. 9 Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Oven

Variations

• Add black beans for extra texture and protein.
• Substitute turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.

Substitutions

• If chipotle peppers are too spicy, use mild green chilies instead.
• Substitute mozzarella cheese for cheddar if preferred.

Pairings

• Cornbread
• Garlic bread
• Steamed broccoli

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra spice, add more chipotle peppers to taste.
• This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake covered with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Pairs well with warm cornbread.

FAQ