Everything About Baked Rigatoni With Rich Meat Sauce You Wish Someone Had Explained to You Before
Gather ‘Round the Table: This Baked Pasta with Rich Meat Sauce is Pure Comfort!
Do you remember those Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, the air thick with the intoxicating aroma of simmering tomato sauce and something warm and bubbly baking in the oven? I do. This Baked Pasta with Rich Meat Sauce is my attempt to capture that same sense of comfort, tradition, and pure, unadulterated deliciousness.
A Symphony of Simple Flavors
It starts with humble ingredients – rigatoni pasta, ground beef, a handful of fresh vegetables – but the magic happens in the slow simmer and the layers of love that go into each and every step.
Forget complicated recipes with fussy sauces that require a culinary degree to master. This Easy Baked Pasta Recipe is all about simplicity and letting the ingredients shine. We’re talking about tender ground beef browned to perfection, then simmered for hours with aromatic vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and a splash of red wine, creating a meat sauce that’s so rich and flavorful, it’ll make your taste buds sing.
The Cheese is Key!
And let’s not forget the cheese! A generous blanket of grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella blankets the pasta, melting into a gooey, golden-brown crust that’s utterly irresistible.
This Baked Rigatoni Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates lasting memories. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with the family, a potluck with friends, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, satisfying, and utterly unforgettable dish.
So, dust off your favorite casserole dish, gather your loved ones, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food. This Best Baked Pasta Recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite! You’ll be transported back to grandma’s kitchen with every bite. Get ready to create some magic of your own!
Everything About Baked Rigatoni With Rich Meat Sauce You Wish Someone Had Explained to You Before
Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Intermediate6
servings30
minutes1
hour20
minutes1
hour10
minutesA comforting and hearty baked pasta dish featuring rigatoni smothered in a flavorful meat sauce, topped with cheese, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
1 pound rigatoni pasta
1.5 pounds ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked pasta cool for a few minutes before serving.
