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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the rigatoni pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring a perfect al dente texture. Strain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Sauté onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly, releasing its aromatic essence. Add ground beef, breaking it into fine crumbles while browning thoroughly.
- Drain excess fat from the meat to ensure a cleaner, lighter sauce base.
- 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.
- Combine the cooked rigatoni with the hearty meat sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is generously coated.
- Transfer the saucy pasta mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Generously distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious melting blanket.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rigatoni for 22-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- 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