Imagine diving into a steaming dish of perfectly baked rigatoni, where tender pasta meets rich, hearty Bolognese sauce and three types of melted cheese - creating a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. This classic Italian-inspired recipe is not just a meal, it's a journey through flavor, texture, and pure comfort that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your baked rigatoni cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the beef and onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.
- In a large baking dish, spread half of the rigatoni and meat sauce mixture evenly across the bottom. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the top, then layer the remaining rigatoni and meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the baked rigatoni from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Baked Rigatoni alla Bolognese!
Tips
- • Always cook pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven • Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile • Don't skip draining excess fat from the beef to prevent a greasy dish • Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking to help layers set and make serving easier • For extra richness, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground Italian sausage • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add a bright finish when garnishing • This dish freezes beautifully - make an extra batch for future quick meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
