Description
This Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is a comforting, cheesy pasta bake loaded with hearty meat sauce and melted mozzarella. A perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until soft (about 3 minutes).
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked rigatoni, then half of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over it.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve hot!
Notes
- Use a mix of beef and sausage for extra flavor.
- Add ricotta cheese between layers for a richer dish.
- Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
