Sizzling Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce Recipe: Homey Comfort

Comfort meets culinary magic in this tremendous baked rigatoni with meat sauce that promises pure deliciousness.

Pasta lovers will adore how perfectly each tube captures rich, savory flavors.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Layers of melted cheese and robust meat sauce make every bite incredibly satisfying.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this classic recipe that feels both traditional and modern.

Simple techniques ensure you can craft an impressive meal without complex cooking skills.

We bet you’ll want seconds of this irresistible pasta creation that brings everyone together around the table.

Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce Standouts

• Enjoy a hearty, satisfying dish that requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Create a crowd-pleasing recipe that works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Indulge in a mouthwatering combination of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese that guarantees smiles and clean plates.

What Goes Into Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

• Rigatoni Pasta: A robust, tube-shaped pasta perfect for holding rich meat sauce.
• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides deep flavor and substance to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds tangy and vibrant flavor to the recipe.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide creamy melting texture and sharp, salty notes to enhance the overall dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a flavor foundation with their sweet and pungent characteristics.
• Oregano, Basil, Salt, Pepper: Deliver classic Italian herbs and spices that elevate the sauce's complexity.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and ensuring a smooth cooking process.
• Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that adds a bright, herbal finish to the baked rigatoni.

Making Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, letting it rest while you prepare the incredible sauce.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Base

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking the meat into small crumbles.

Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 3: Build Robust Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Layer and Combine

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the rich meat sauce.

Ensure every pasta tube gets coated with the savory mixture.

Transfer everything into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 5: Cheese Topping Magic

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cover the pasta completely with a beautiful blanket of cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Tips to Nail Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

• Cook rigatoni just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushy texture.
• Drain excess beef fat after browning to keep the dish lighter and less greasy.
• Let the rigatoni rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld.
• Add fresh basil or parsley just before serving to elevate the dish's aroma and freshness.
• Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.

Storage Tips for Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer baked rigatoni to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Seal tightly to avoid freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, checking periodically to ensure even heating.

Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce Pairings

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich meat sauce and enhance the pasta's savory flavors.
• Complementary Side Salad: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the baked rigatoni and provide a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Rustic Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the dish to soak up the delicious meat sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Opt for a cold, light Italian beer like Peroni or a sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty pasta.

Tasty Twists on Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets without compromising taste.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for those who enjoy a fiery flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the delicious meat sauce and cheese topping intact.

FAQs

• What herbs work best in this meat sauce?

Oregano and basil are perfect for this recipe. They add authentic Italian flavor and complement the beef and marinara sauce beautifully.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal because its tubes hold the sauce well, you can substitute with penne, ziti, or mostaccioli. Just ensure the pasta shape has ridges or tubes to catch the sauce.

• How can I make the meat sauce more rich?

Brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat. This concentrates the meat’s flavor and prevents a greasy sauce. Additionally, letting the sauce simmer allows the herbs and seasonings to develop deeper, more complex flavors.

• Is this dish good for making ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate. Cover tightly with foil and bake when ready. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator to ensure it’s heated thoroughly.

Tremendous Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Rigatoni Delight mingles hearty Italian flavors with robust meat sauce, creating a comforting pasta experience. Rich layers of pasta, savory ground beef, and melted cheese promise a satisfying meal you’ll eagerly devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) ground beef
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the rigatoni pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring a perfect al dente texture. Strain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Sauté onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly, releasing its aromatic essence. Add ground beef, breaking it into fine crumbles while browning thoroughly.
4. Drain excess fat from the meat to ensure a cleaner, lighter sauce base.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, incorporating dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-6 minutes, melding the robust flavors.
6. Combine the cooked rigatoni with the hearty meat sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is generously coated.
7. Transfer the saucy pasta mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, creating an even layer.
8. Generously distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious melting blanket.
9. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rigatoni for 22-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish before serving.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose rigatoni with ridges for maximum sauce cling and a more satisfying texture.
• Fat Management: Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Cheese Elevation: Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Dietary Flexibility: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version or lean turkey for lower fat content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 489
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 715mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 81mg