Description
Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Meatballs
“A rich, cheesy, and hearty baked pasta dish loaded with tender meatballs and marinara sauce—pure comfort in every bite!”
Ingredients
:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt & pepper
For the Pasta & Sauce:
3 cups rigatoni or penne pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
For the Cheese Topping:
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated parmesan
Instructions
:
Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Boil the Pasta: Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with marinara sauce, garlic powder, and basil.
Assemble & Bake: In a baking dish, layer the saucy pasta, add meatballs, and sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
Bake & Serve: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly, then dig in!
Perfect for a cozy family dinner—serve with garlic bread & enjoy!
