Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce and Cheese

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Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is all about layers of flavor and texture, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked rigatoni is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With its rich meat sauce and bubbly cheese topping, it’s a dish that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Comforting Flavors: Hearty and satisfying with every bite.
• Cheesy Goodness: Who can resist melted cheese?
• Make Ahead: Great for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish

How to Make Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is coated.
6. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the rigatoni mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Add the remaining rigatoni mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
• Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor; try adding provolone or fontina.
• Don’t overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to cook while baking.
• Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.

Easy Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
• For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms as a meat substitute.
• Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for unique flavor profiles.

What to Serve With It

• A simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping.
• Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, for a nutritious side.
• A glass of red wine to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce and Cheese
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield/Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce, mixing well.
6. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the rigatoni mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Add the remaining rigatoni mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes: For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.