Description
Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef and Mozzarella is a delicious and hearty pasta dish that combines rigatoni pasta, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the beef sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Transfer half of the rigatoni mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining rigatoni mixture on top.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg