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Cheesy baked rigatoni with melted mozzarella and meat sauce in a baking dish

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni That Brings Comfort to the Table


  • Author: Cindy
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a hearty pasta casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, marinara cream sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, baked until golden and bubbly.


Ingredients

16 ounces rigatoni pasta

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon minced garlic

48 ounces marinara sauce

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese

8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon dried parsley


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain.

3. Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet. Drain excess grease.

4. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.

5. Stir in marinara sauce and heavy cream. Simmer for a few minutes.

6. Layer half the pasta in the dish. Add half the meat sauce.

7. Add ricotta spoonfuls and half the mozzarella.

8. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella.

9. Bake uncovered 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

10. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta before baking.

Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.

Freeze up to 3 months tightly wrapped.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Easy Dinner Ideas
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American