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Baked Rigatoni
5 from 21 votes

Baked Rigatoni

Baked Rigatoni is a hearty casserole featuring ridged rigatoni pasta tossed with a rich tomato basil sauce, ground beef, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The pasta is cooked just shy of al dente, combined with the flavorful meat sauce, and topped with more cheese before baking until bubbly and golden. Italian seasoning and garlic add depth to the sauce, creating a comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, American

Ingredients

  • 10 oz. rigatoni pasta dry
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef lean
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 (24 oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce (recommend Rao's)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes petite
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese divided
  • salt to taste, freshly ground
  • black pepper to taste, freshly ground
  • basil or fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional, fresh leaves

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 12 by 8-inch or 13 by 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Cook pasta in lightly salted water about 1 minute shy of al dente according to directions listed on package. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, drain pasta.
  3. Meanwhile heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet. Add beef and cook and crumble until browned. Drain excess fat, then add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer.
  4. Stir in 1/4 cup pasta water, tomato basil sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
  5. In empty pot, toss together sauce, drained pasta, 3/4 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Season just lightly with salt as needed and pepper to taste.
  6. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Try to cover all of the pasta with some of the sauce so it doesn't dry up during baking.
  7. Sprinkle top with remaining 1 1/4 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Cover with foil (curve foil over to prevent cheese from sticking to foil).
  8. Bake in preheated oven 25 - 30 minutes. Serve warm garnished with basil or parsley leaves.