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Classic Italian comfort food doesn't get better than this hearty baked rigatoni. The combination of tender pasta tubes, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese creates an irresistible casserole that's perfect for family dinners. This recipe brings together simple pantry ingredients to create something truly special.
Recipe Benefits
This versatile pasta bake relies on basic ingredients while delivering restaurant-quality results. The make-ahead friendly nature makes it ideal for entertaining or meal prep. Simple sides like salad and bread transform it into a complete meal that satisfies every time.
Ingredients List
- Rigatoni: 1 pound dried pasta
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon extra virgin
- Onion: 1 cup diced yellow onion
- Ground Beef: 1 pound lean
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Marinara: 48 ounces quality sauce
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried blend
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground
- Parmesan: 1/2 cup freshly grated
- Mozzarella: 6 ounces shredded
- Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon dried
- Parsley: Fresh for garnish
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Preparation Steps
- Pasta Preparation
- Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Avoid rinsing after draining to maintain starch for better sauce adhesion.
- Sauce Foundation
- Heat olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant.
- Meat Preparation
- Brown ground beef thoroughly, breaking into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Sauce Development
- Add garlic, marinara, and seasonings. Simmer to blend flavors.
- Assembly
- Combine pasta with sauce and Parmesan. Transfer to baking dish.
- Cheese Topping
- Layer mozzarella, remaining Parmesan, and oregano evenly.
- Baking Process
- Cover and bake until heated through, then uncover for golden top.
Professional Tips
Pasta texture depends heavily on initial cooking time. Maintain slight firmness as additional cooking occurs during baking. Consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance nutrition and flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in refrigerator. Allow to reach room temperature before baking. Extends cooking time by 10-15 minutes. Freezes well for up to 3 months when properly wrapped.
Serving Suggestions
Complement with mixed green salad and crusty garlic bread. Fresh vinaigrette dressing adds brightness. Consider Italian wine pairings or sparkling citrus water for beverages.
Recipe Variations
Substitute Italian sausage or ground turkey for beef. Experiment with cheese combinations using provolone or fontina. Layer in zucchini or artichokes for added vegetables. Adjust spice level with red pepper flakes.
Entertaining Notes
Perfect for gatherings due to generous portions and advance preparation options. Maintains temperature well for buffet service. Aroma creates welcoming atmosphere during baking.
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Nutritional Benefits
Provides balanced nutrition with protein from meat, calcium from dairy, and complex carbohydrates from pasta. Modify with whole grain pasta and additional vegetables for increased fiber content. Adjust cheese quantity to control fat content.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I assemble the dish early?
Absolutely, you can put everything together a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge, let it warm up a bit at room temperature before baking, and increase covered baking time slightly.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole thing back in the oven.
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Certainly! Rigatoni works well since it holds sauce in the tubes, but penne and ziti are great too. Avoid small noodles like elbows as they may overcook.
- → What’s the freezer method?
You can freeze it unbaked. It’ll last about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake like usual, adding time for it being cold.
- → Why use foil while baking?
It helps trap moisture and keeps the top from burning. Removing the foil after baking gives it a nice golden-brown crust.