Description
A classic, comforting pasta bake featuring rigatoni, savory ground beef, and a blend of three cheeses.
Ingredients
16 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp minced garlic
48 oz marinara sauce (2 jars)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Dried parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni for 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add the marinara sauce and heavy cream to the skillet. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Drain the pasta and toss it into the meat sauce until thoroughly coated.
Step 7: Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with dollops of ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella.
Step 8: Layer the remaining pasta on top and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with dried parsley before serving.
Notes
Ensure the pasta is undercooked before baking to avoid it getting mushy. Freshly grated mozzarella melts best.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg