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Baked Rigatoni

A hearty pasta dish with cheese, meat, and rich marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Stir often for even cooking.
  4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
  6. Combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce mixture in the skillet.
  7. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over it.
  8. Repeat with the remaining pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Let the dish cool slightly before serving, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Use quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. Cook rigatoni to al dente as it will continue cooking while baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked pasta, rigatoni recipe, cheesy dinner, easy pasta dish, family meal