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Easy Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

A close-up of a serving spoon lifting a portion of cheesy pasta bake, showing long, melted cheese strings.
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A simple, comforting pasta bake featuring rigatoni coated in a rich meat sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  6. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the meat sauce, and the ricotta mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
  9. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
  10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
  • You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a slightly different texture.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://eatableempress.com/easy-cheesy-pasta-bake-recipe/