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Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef Recipe

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4.2 from 82 reviews

Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty Italian-American pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni pasta baked with seasoned ground beef, a rich marinara sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This simple yet satisfying meal is perfect for family dinners and offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent the pasta from sticking during baking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Brown Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the browned beef mixture. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet (or transfer to a mixing bowl) and stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the meat sauce.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

  • Add ricotta cheese for a creamier texture and extra richness.
  • Substitute ground turkey for a lighter, leaner version of the dish.
  • Leftovers can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For more flavorful sauce, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://dishestocook.com/easy-baked-rigatoni-with-ground-beef-recipe/