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Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

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A hearty and classic Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce made with tender pasta, a rich savory tomato meat sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta and melted cheeses for a comforting family-style meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened.
  4. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  5. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  6. Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  7. Simmer sauce for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Combine cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce.
  9. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Add dollops of ricotta and sprinkle with mozzarella.
  10. Add remaining pasta, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  11. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  12. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just shy of al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.
  • Let baked rigatoni rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Extra sauce helps prevent dryness.
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/baked-rigatoni-with-meat-sauce/