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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke the same warmth and nostalgia as a hearty baked rigatoni with meat sauce. This Italian-American classic is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings family and friends together around the dinner table, sharing laughter and stories over a bubbling dish of cheesy goodness. The combination of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese creates a satisfying dish that wraps you in a warm embrace, making it an ideal choice for both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.

Comforting Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Indulge in the comforting embrace of baked rigatoni with hearty meat sauce, an Italian-American classic that brings family and friends together. This dish combines tender rigatoni pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a satisfying meal that warms the heart. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, baked rigatoni is easily customizable with your favorite ingredients. Discover how to create this nostalgic dish and craft lasting memories around your dinner table.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound rigatoni pasta

1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage for added flavor)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

        Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Season with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.

          Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix until well-combined and set aside.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with half of the meat sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

              Layer the Dish: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the remaining meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the rigatoni mixture, dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the top, then sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella cheese. Pour the rest of the rigatoni on top, followed by the remaining meat sauce, and finally, top with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.

                Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent burning) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

                  Cool and Serve: Allow the baked rigatoni to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 6-8