Description
🍝 Indulge in a hearty, comforting Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce, packed with rich flavors, gooey cheese, and a savory homemade sauce! ❤️🔥
🧀 Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this cheesy, oven-baked delight is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy every bite! 🍽️
Ingredients
Rigatoni pasta
Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Basil
Oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional: Bechamel sauce
Optional: Italian sausage or ground turkey
Optional: Additional vegetables like eggplant
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
4. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Let the meat sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes to develop flavors.
7. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
8. Add half of the cooked rigatoni pasta over the sauce.
9. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, rigatoni, and cheeses.
11. If using, pour bechamel sauce over the top for extra creaminess.
12. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese slightly.
14. Let the baked rigatoni rest for a few minutes before serving.
15. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
16. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish.
17. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat as needed.
Notes
Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer, more flavorful meat sauce.
Cook the rigatoni pasta until just al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when baked.
Let the baked rigatoni rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to help the layers set before serving.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian