Description
Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce and Mozzarella
Ingredients:
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until just shy of al dente (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef or sausage, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Layer the ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Toss the cooked rigatoni with the remaining meat sauce, then layer half of the pasta in the dish. Spread dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta, sprinkle with half the mozzarella, and add the rest of the pasta. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake the rigatoni:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve:
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
This baked rigatoni is a hearty and cheesy comfort dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a flawless baked pasta dish. First, ensure your pasta is undercooked by 1-2 minutes less than the package’s al dente time. While it cooks, brown your meat thoroughly in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. After adding the marinara, let the sauce simmer gently to allow flavors to meld. When layering, the thin sauce base prevents sticking. Distribute the ricotta in small spoonfuls for even pockets of creaminess. The initial covered bake steams the pasta to perfect tenderness, while the final uncovered bake creates the desirable golden-brown cheese crust.
Serving Suggestions
This rich baked rigatoni pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread for dipping, or simple steamed green beans. For a complete Italian feast, offer it alongside grilled vegetables or antipasto skewers. Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the oven or microwave for a quick meal the next day.
How-to Summary
In summary: undercook the rigatoni, brown the meat with garlic and seasoning, mix with sauce, layer in a dish with ricotta and cheeses, bake covered then uncovered until bubbly, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different pasta? Rigatoni’s tubes hold sauce well. Ziti, penne, or shells are good substitutes. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti.
How can I make it vegetarian? Omit the ground meat. Sauté diced mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers with the garlic for a hearty vegetable version.
Why is my baked pasta dry? This usually means the pasta was overcooked initially or the sauce was too thick. Ensure you use enough sauce and undercook the pasta.
Can I freeze baked rigatoni? Absolutely. Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra time as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta initially: It must be al dente, as it softens further in the oven.
- Using cold ricotta: Let it sit at room temperature to spread more easily.
- Skipping the foil cover: This crucial step ensures even cooking and prevents the cheese from burning before the center is hot.
- Not seasoning the meat layer: Season the beef generously while browning to build foundational flavor.
Conclusion
This Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce and Mozzarella is the epitome of comforting, crowd-pleasing cuisine. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a perfectly cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table. Its versatility for make-ahead meals and simple ingredient list ensures it will become a trusted recipe in your regular rotation for any occasion.