Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Introduction

This Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce and Cheese is a comforting, Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

With tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese, it’s an irresistible meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

This recipe brings together the heartiness of a pasta bake with the deliciousness of homemade sauce, creating a dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta

1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Add half of the cooked rigatoni, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Conclusion

This Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce and Cheese is a cozy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The combination of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese is pure comfort food at its best.

Easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home.

Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal that everyone will love!