Comforting Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Browning the meat is a critical step in developing the rich flavors of your Cozy Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce. To achieve the perfect browning and texture, follow these steps:

Looking for a comforting meal to share with family and friends? This Cozy Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is the perfect choice! With layers of tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it's a dish that satisfies both heart and appetite. Easy to customize, you can use ground beef or turkey and add your favorite veggies. Plus, it makes great leftovers! Discover the step-by-step guide to make this hearty favorite a staple at your dinner table.

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Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian herbs, and chopped parsley. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.

Assemble the Dish: In a large baking dish, spread half of the rigatoni and meat sauce mixture. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese on top, then sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella cheese. Pour the remaining rigatoni and meat sauce mixture over, followed by dollops of the remaining ricotta. Top with the remaining mozzarella and finish with the grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with the reserved chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8