Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce
A hearty, cheesy pasta bake that's pure comfort in a dish. Tender rigatoni is tossed with a rich, savory meat sauce, a creamy ricotta mixture, and baked under a blanket of bubbly mozzarella. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
For 8 servings
9 steps. 55 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Start the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 2
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot
- a.Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until it's browned all over, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the pot.
- 3
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute
- a.Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, bay leaf, sugar, 1.5 tsp salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour) for the flavors to meld. While the sauce simmers, proceed with the next steps.
- 4
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
- a.Add 1 tbsp of kosher salt, then add the rigatoni. Cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. The pasta should be firm as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Prepare Ricotta Mixture & Preheat Oven: While pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- 6
Combine Components: Remove the bay leaf from the meat sauce
- a.In the large pot with the drained pasta, add about 2 cups of the meat sauce and the entire ricotta mixture. Stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
- 7
Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish
- a.Spread half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella (about 2 cups). Repeat the layers: the rest of the pasta mixture, the remaining meat sauce, the remaining mozzarella, and finally the last 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown on top.
- 9
Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes
- a.This is crucial for the casserole to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package directions. It will absorb sauce and finish cooking in the oven, preventing a mushy result.
- 2Shred your own mozzarella from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting into a smooth, gooey layer.
- 3Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture. The added fat content makes a significant difference in the final dish.
- 4Don't skip the resting step! It allows the casserole to set, so you can serve neat squares instead of a soupy pile.
- 5The meat sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making assembly even quicker on a busy night.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variation
Substitute half of the ground beef with ground Italian sausage (mild or hot) for an extra layer of flavor and spice.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the ground beef and add 1 lb of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to the sauce for a hearty vegetarian version.
Add GreensAdd Greens
Stir 10 oz of thawed and well-drained frozen spinach into the ricotta mixture for added nutrients and color.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 or 1 teaspoon, or add a chopped Calabrian chili to the sauce along with the garlic for a significant heat boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
The combination of ground beef and various cheeses provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Provides Calcium
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses are good sources of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Sustained Energy Source
The carbohydrates from the rigatoni pasta provide a primary source of energy for your body and brain.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5 cup serving of this Baked Rigatoni contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the beef and cheese.