Description
Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
1 lb (450g) rigatoni
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Rigatoni:
Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef/sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Dish:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, layer cooked rigatoni, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Repeat until ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
Bake:
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
This hearty baked rigatoni is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping!
