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Irresistible Baked Rigatoni Recipe in 45 Minutes

Baked Rigatoni Recipe
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A hearty and cheesy baked rigatoni with meat sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This comfort food favorite is packed with flavor and loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or homemade pasta sauce
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic. Stir in ground beef, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
  3. Add marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and simmer.
  4. Mix pasta with the meat sauce in a large bowl. Add ricotta if using.
  5. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  6. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use Italian sausage for extra flavor.
  • Ricotta adds creaminess but can be skipped.
  • Let the dish rest before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Baked Rigatoni, Cheesy pasta bake, Easy weeknight dinner, Ground beef pasta casserole, Rigatoni with marinara sauce, Mozzarella and ricotta pasta, Comfort food for the family

Find it online: https://mealcooked.com/baked-rigatoni-recipe-with-cheesy-meat-sauce/