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Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 67 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

A hearty baked pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni tossed with a rich, savory meat sauce and layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, baked until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 oz rigatoni

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the rigatoni casserole.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the rigatoni in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
  4. Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Combine Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, stir well, and simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat.
  6. Mix Pasta and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the ricotta or cottage cheese, mixing gently to coat the pasta evenly.
  7. Layer the Dish: In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta and ricotta mixture evenly. Top with half of the meat sauce and sprinkle with a portion of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots on top.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Add fresh or frozen spinach to the pasta mixture for extra nutrients and color.
  • Use spicy marinara sauce if you prefer a little heat in the dish.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, making it great for meal prep.
  • For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish, Pasta
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://kitchenmartha.com/baked-rigatoni-with-meat-sauce-recipe/