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Baked Rigatoni

Baked Rigatoni is a classic Italian-American dish that combines pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese in a comforting casserole.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keyword: Comfort Food, Easy
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Aluminum Foil

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound Rigatoni Pasta This sturdy pasta shape holds sauces exceptionally well.

Meat

  • 1 pound Ground Beef Choose good quality for rich flavor.

Vegetables

  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Sauce

  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Forms the base of the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Thickens the sauce and adds richness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Adds an earthy note.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Brings a touch of sweetness.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Cheese

  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Creates a deliciously gooey topping.
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds a nutty flavor.

Cooking Oil

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing the onions and ground beef.

Garnish

  • to taste Fresh Parsley, chopped For garnish.

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add oregano and basil, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Combine cooked rigatoni with the sauce, stirring gently to coat.
  • In a baking dish, spread half of the rigatoni mixture, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Layer the remaining rigatoni mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Feel free to customize with different vegetables or cheeses based on your preferences.