Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake combines tender steak pieces with a rich, creamy blue cheese sauce and tender pasta for a comforting, flavorful dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it bakes to golden cheesy perfection and finishes with fresh parsley for brightness.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 lb steak (cut into bite-sized pieces, sirloin or ribeye recommended)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 medium bell pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup blue cheese (crumbled)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift browned bits. Stir in crumbled blue cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Return the steak to the skillet with the sauce, then add the cooked rigatoni. Stir gently to coat the pasta and steak evenly with the creamy blue cheese sauce.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rigatoni bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use ribeye for a richer flavor or sirloin for a leaner option.
• Swap blue cheese for gorgonzola if you prefer a milder taste.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• For extra veggies, stir in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the cheese topping moist, cover loosely with foil when reheating in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any sturdy pasta like penne or ziti will work well in this bake, but rigatoni holds the sauce nicely due to its ridges.

How do I know when the steak is cooked enough before baking?

Sear the steak pieces until browned but still slightly undercooked, as they will finish cooking in the oven and stay tender.

Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 288 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A rich and comforting Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake featuring tender seared steak, creamy blue cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta, topped with mozzarella cheese and baked to golden perfection. This hearty casserole combines bold flavors with a creamy texture, ideal for a satisfying dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Meat & Vegetables

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 medium bell pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce & Cheese

• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup blue cheese (crumbled)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Prepare Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate browned bits. Stir in blue cheese, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook gently until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine Steak and Pasta: Return steak to skillet with sauce, then add cooked rigatoni. Stir gently to coat pasta and steak evenly with the creamy blue cheese sauce.
6. Assemble Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rigatoni bake for 15-20 minutes, or until mozzarella is melted and golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

• Use sirloin or ribeye for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Do not overcook the steak during searing; it will finish cooking in the sauce and oven.
• Adjust seasoning according to your taste, especially salt as blue cheese can be salty.
• For extra creaminess, ensure heavy cream is full fat.
• You can substitute rigatoni with other sturdy pasta like penne or ziti.
• If desired, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Steak Rigatoni Bake, Blue Cheese Pasta, Creamy Pasta Bake, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta, Steak Dinner