Description
Baked Stuffed Rigatoni with Ground Beef & Ricotta
This hearty and flavorful dish features large rigatoni pasta stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef and creamy ricotta, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked until bubbly. A perfect comfort food meal!
Ingredients:
12 rigatoni pasta tubes
1 lb ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Stuff the Rigatoni: Spoon the beef and ricotta mixture into each cooked rigatoni tube, ensuring they are well filled.
Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed rigatoni in the dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce over them. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy this delicious and cheesy stuffed pasta dish!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect stuffed rigatoni every time. After boiling the pasta until just al dente, rinse the tubes briefly with cool water to make handling easier. For the filling, ensure the cooked ground beef is fully cooled before mixing with the ricotta; this prevents the cheese from becoming greasy. Use a small spoon or a piping bag without a tip to neatly fill each rigatoni tube. Gently press the filling from both ends to secure it in the center. When arranging in your baking dish, place them snugly together to prevent rolling.
Serving Suggestions
This rich, baked pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a more formal presentation, serve individual portions in small gratin dishes. A medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese complements the savory beef and tomato flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish involves cooking rigatoni, preparing a seasoned beef and ricotta filling, stuffing the tubes, and baking them with marinara and cheese. The key steps are: 1) Cook pasta al dente. 2) Brown and cool beef, then mix with ricotta and seasonings. 3) Carefully fill each pasta tube. 4) Assemble in a sauced dish and top with cheeses. 5) Bake covered, then uncovered until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Large shells (conchiglie) or manicotti tubes are excellent substitutes for rigatoni if you cannot find them.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground alternative or finely chopped sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed.
Can I freeze baked stuffed rigatoni? It freezes best before baking. Assemble the dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the pasta initially, as it will continue to soften in the oven and can become mushy. Do not mix hot ground beef directly into the ricotta, as it can cause the cheese to separate and become oily. Ensure you drain excess fat from the beef thoroughly. Don’t skip the step of putting a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, as this prevents the pasta from sticking. Finally, do not overfill the tubes, as the filling can expand and burst out during baking.
Conclusion
Baked Stuffed Rigatoni with Ground Beef & Ricotta is a quintessential comfort dish that is impressive enough for company yet simple enough for a weeknight. The combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and tangy marinara, all baked under a layer of melted mozzarella, is universally satisfying. By following the detailed guide and tips above, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a perfectly cooked, delicious pasta bake that will become a family favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!