Italian Rigatoni Bake
Italian Rigatoni Bake is a heartwarming dish that combines tender pasta with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses, all baked to perfection. This comforting casserole not only warms your soul but also creates lasting memories around the dinner table. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe promises to delight everyone with its satisfying flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes), then drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt and pepper until creamy.
- Layer half of the rigatoni in the baking dish, followed by half of the meat sauce and dollops of ricotta. Repeat layers.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg