A Comforting Classic
Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is a comforting, hearty Italian-American classic that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
This dish combines tender rigatoni pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce made from ground beef (or sausage), tomatoes, and herbs. Layered with a generous amount of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, each bite is a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and robust flavor.
As it bakes, the flavors meld together, and the cheese browns on top, creating a golden, bubbly crust.
This baked pasta dish is easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser, offering all the warmth and satisfaction of a homemade, flavorful casserole.
- Ingredients :
For the meat sauce:
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for sautéing
For the pasta:
1 pound rigatoni (or other tubular pasta like ziti)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Preparation :
1. Prepare the meat sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to develop.
2. Cook the pasta:
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente (the pasta should still have a slight bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven).
Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Assemble the baked rigatoni:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
In a large oven-safe baking dish, spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Layer the remaining pasta and sauce over the cheese, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
5. Garnish and serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness of baked rigatoni.
Here are some tips to make the perfect Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce :
Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Undercook the rigatoni slightly, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This helps it retain texture and prevents it from becoming too soft.
Use a Flavorful Meat Sauce: Brown the ground beef or sausage thoroughly to develop flavor. You can add onions, garlic, and Italian herbs like basil and oregano to enrich the sauce.
Mix Cheeses for Extra Flavor: Combine mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for a nutty flavor, and ricotta or cottage cheese for a creamy texture.
Layer for the Best Texture: Start with a layer of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish, then alternate between pasta, sauce, and cheese. This layering ensures every bite is full of flavor.
Save Some Cheese for the Top: For a golden, bubbly crust, reserve a portion of mozzarella and Parmesan to sprinkle on top in the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Cover, Then Uncover for Browning: Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the top from drying out. Uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to brown the cheese.
Let it Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked rigatoni to sit for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley just before serving adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.
With these tips, your Cheesy Baked Rigatoni will come out irresistibly flavorful, with perfectly cooked pasta, a rich sauce, and a deliciously melty cheese topping!
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