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A classic comfort dish awaits! This hearty baked rigatoni is a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Imagine tender rigatoni pasta, a rich, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This rigatoni pasta recipe is incredibly easy to make and a guaranteed family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Get ready for a simple yet impressive dish that always pleases a crowd and quickly becomes a cherished staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Feeds a crowd effortlessly: This generous recipe easily serves a large family or guests, making it perfect for any gathering without extra fuss or complicated steps.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: You only need common, affordable pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a satisfying, wholesome meal everyone will enjoy.
- Kid-approved flavors and textures: Even picky eaters will enjoy the comforting combination of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese, making this an easy win.
- Excellent for meal prep and freezing: Prepare this delightful dish ahead of time for future enjoyment, or freeze portions for quick, homemade meals whenever you need them.
- Simple, straightforward process: Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions for a truly delicious baked rigatoni pasta recipe with minimal effort, even if you are a beginner cook.
Ingredients for Your Delicious Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
This classic baked rigatoni pasta dish comes together effortlessly with simple, flavorful ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- 1 pound rigatoni
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (24 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter
- 3 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- minced fresh parsley, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
- Rigatoni’s large, ridged tubes are fantastic because they efficiently catch and hold onto the rich meat sauce, ensuring every single bite is packed with amazing flavor.
- Feel free to customize this rigatoni pasta recipe! You can easily use only ground beef, ground turkey, or all Italian sausage for a unique and delicious flavor profile.
- For a satisfying meatless option, replace the ground meats entirely with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- While pre-shredded works, freshly grated mozzarella melts much smoother and provides a creamier texture. It truly elevates the dish to restaurant quality.
- The salted butter adds a lovely richness and helps to beautifully balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a wonderfully deep and well-rounded sauce.
Equipment
Gather these essential kitchen tools to prepare your delicious baked rigatoni pasta recipe efficiently. You’ll need a large pot specifically for cooking the pasta to perfect al dente tenderness. Additionally, a large Dutch oven or a deep, heavy-bottomed pot is crucial for browning the meat and simmering the rich sauce. Finally, a standard 9×13 inch baking dish is necessary for assembling and baking your comforting dish. Don’t forget a sturdy wooden spoon for stirring everything together!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack in the center position. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well. Meanwhile, add the ground Italian sausage, ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is cooked through and the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and salted butter to the pot with the meat. Cook, stirring often, until all ingredients are well combined and the butter is melted, about 3 minutes. This creates the rich base for your rigatoni pasta recipe. Add the drained cooked pasta to the pot with the meat sauce. Stir everything together gently until the rigatoni is thoroughly coated in the delicious sauce. Transfer the pasta and meat sauce mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the 3 cups of freshly grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbly around the edges. Let the baked rigatoni cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents it from being too watery. Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve your ultimate baked rigatoni pasta recipe family-style and enjoy every comforting bite!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
To understand more about the ideal consistency for pasta, read this guide on what al dente means in cooking.
- Always cook your rigatoni just until it’s al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. It will finish cooking in the oven, which prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Baking covered steams the dish, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing drying. Uncovering allows the cheese to melt and beautifully brown, creating that irresistible golden crust.
- For culinary insights on how pasta water improves consistency, learn why starchy pasta water thickens sauce.
- If your sauce appears too thick, feel free to add a splash of reserved pasta water. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling better to the pasta for a richer consistency.
- Do not skimp on the sauce! A generous amount ensures your baked rigatoni pasta recipe remains incredibly moist, flavorful, and prevents it from drying out during baking.
- When using gluten-free pasta, cook it strictly according to package directions. Watch it carefully, as it tends to cook faster and can become mushy if overcooked even slightly.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
- Serving Suggestions: This hearty baked rigatoni is fantastic served with a crisp green salad, like a classic Caesar or simple Italian salad, for a balanced meal. Don’t forget warm, crusty garlic bread – it’s absolutely perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
- Make Ahead & Storage: For easy entertaining or weeknight prep, assemble this rigatoni pasta recipe up to one day ahead; cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Instructions: For ultimate convenience, freeze unbaked rigatoni tightly covered for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, allowing extra time. You can also freeze fully baked portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months; simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Variations: Easily boost the nutritional value by adding sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce. For a delicious kick, adjust the spice level by including red pepper flakes or using a spicy arrabbiata marinara sauce.
Nutrition
Enjoy this satisfying baked rigatoni pasta dish, knowing it offers a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a hearty and filling meal for your family. Please note that nutritional values provided are estimates. They can vary based on specific brands, ingredient choices, and precise portion sizes used in your particular rigatoni pasta recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 534 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 87mg |
| Sodium | 555mg |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
FAQ
- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, absolutely! Cook gluten-free rigatoni according to package directions, but watch carefully, as it can sometimes cook faster and become soft more quickly than traditional pasta varieties.
- Can I prepare this ahead and reheat? Yes, you can! Assemble the entire dish up to one day in advance, then refrigerate. Leftovers of this rigatoni pasta recipe also reheat beautifully in the oven at 350°F or efficiently in the microwave.
- Is butter essential? The butter adds a lovely richness and helps to beautifully balance the tomato’s acidity, contributing to a more rounded sauce flavor. While optional, it greatly enhances the overall dish’s complexity.
- Can I use only ground beef? Yes, you can certainly use only ground beef, or even ground turkey or a mix of meats. Adjust the seasonings to taste if you choose to alter the meat blend for your recipe for desired flavor.
- What’s the difference between Baked Ziti and Baked Rigatoni? The primary difference lies in the pasta shape itself. Rigatoni features wider, ridged tubes that excel at catching and holding sauce, while ziti are smooth, straight, and slightly narrower tubes.
Conclusion
This ultimate hearty baked rigatoni pasta recipe is truly a delicious and incredibly versatile meal, perfect for satisfying appetites any day of the week. Its comforting, rich flavors and satisfying textures ensure it becomes an instant family favorite in your home. We sincerely encourage you to try this simple, beginner-friendly dish soon. It’s a fantastic way to bring warmth, comfort, and culinary joy to your dinner table! Share your experience and any delicious twists you discover in the comments below!
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