Description
A deliciously hearty baked rigatoni casserole that combines pasta, beef, marinara sauce, and cheeses for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (about 24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, meat sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage.
- For a creamier texture, mix in a splash of cream with the ricotta.
- Ensure pasta is not overcooked initially to prevent it from becoming too soft after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving