Description
This Italian Rigatoni Bake is the ultimate comfort food — cheesy, saucy, and satisfying. Featuring tender rigatoni pasta baked with a savory meat sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan, it’s the perfect choice for a quick dinner, an easy recipe to impress guests, or make-ahead food ideas for busy weeknights. With rich Italian flavor and hearty ingredients, this dish fits right in with your favorite dinner ideas and healthy-ish indulgences.
Ingredients
450g rigatoni pasta
500g ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
800g crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
250g shredded mozzarella cheese
50g grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni 1-2 minutes less than package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Mix the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce until well combined.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer half of the pasta mixture in a baking dish. Top with half the mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and cheeses.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t go mushy during baking.
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: easy dinner, pasta bake, Italian recipe, baked rigatoni, comfort food