Easy Baked Rigatoni Recipe: A Flavorful Delight

Baked rigatoni recipe is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for a family meal. It is made with tender rigatoni pasta, a flavorful meat sauce, and a rich and creamy cheese sauce. The dish is then baked until golden brown and bubbly.

Baked rigatoni is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. You can use any type of pasta, sauce, or cheese that you like. You can also add other ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or seafood.

Ingredients

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 (15 ounce) container cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
6. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
7. Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Top with half of the rigatoni.
9. Spread with half of the cheese mixture.
10. Repeat layers.
11. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

To make a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth in place of the water.

1. To add more vegetables to this dish, stir in some chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
2. To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the casserole as directed and then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
3. To freeze this dish, prepare the casserole as directed and then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
4. Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about baked rigatoni:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like. Some good options include penne, ziti, or shells.

Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes, you can use any type of sauce that you like. Some good options include Alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, or marinara sauce.

Can I add other ingredients to this dish?

Yes, you can add any other ingredients that you like. Some good options include vegetables, meat, or seafood.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Baked rigatoni is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it is sure to please everyone at the table.

So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy meal, give baked rigatoni a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Buon Appetito!

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