Baked Rigatoni
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
418 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
Baked Rigatoni
Description
This recipe begins by browning lean ground beef with diced onion and garlic, seasoned with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. The meat is simmered in pasta sauce to develop flavor. Rigatoni pasta is boiled until just al dente, then combined with reserved pasta water and the meat sauce for added moisture. The mixture is transferred to a greased baking dish, covered with foil, and baked to heat through. Afterward, shredded mozzarella is sprinkled on top and baked until it melts and begins to brown, forming a bubbly cheese crust.
The texture balances tender pasta with a flavorful meat sauce, and the cheese adds richness and a pleasing golden topping. Baking brings a slight melding of flavors and a cozy finish.
This baked rigatoni can be served as a main course with a side salad or vegetables. The recipe can be prepared ahead, refrigerated up to two days, and baked to reheat when needed, which is convenient for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups pasta sauce approximately two jars
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta plus ½ cup pasta water
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- In a large saucepan brown ground beef and onion over medium heat, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Drain any fat.
- Add Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper and cook 1 minute.
- Add the pasta sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, add rigatoni to the boiling water, and cook just to al dente according to the package directions (it will continue to cook in the oven).
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain. Stir pasta water into meat sauce.
- Combine pasta and pasta sauce in a saucepan. Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish, and transfer the pasta mixture.
- Cover with a lightly greased piece of foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Uncover and sprinkle with cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese has started to brown.
Notes
- Prepare the dish up to two days in advance and refrigerate covered until ready to bake.
- Bake refrigerated leftovers at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 418 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 418 | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 57mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 1088mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 832mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 864IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 195mg | 20% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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