Go Back
When it comes to comfort food, few meals can rival the warm embrace of a baked pasta dish. These culinary creations have a unique ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia, often reminding us of family gatherings, cozy nights in, or even a special occasion shared with friends. Among the myriad of baked pasta options, one standout recipe that embodies this sentiment is Cozy Baked Rigatoni with Hearty Meat Sauce. This dish not only satisfies the hunger of both adults and children alike but also brings a sense of warmth to the table, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.

Comforting Baked Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cozy Baked Rigatoni with Hearty Meat Sauce recipe. This delicious dish combines ridged rigatoni pasta with a savory meat sauce made from ground beef or Italian sausage, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Layered with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it’s baked to perfection for a golden, bubbly finish. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this meal is sure to be a hit!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound rigatoni pasta

1 pound ground beef (or substitute with Italian sausage for a richer 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 a spicy kick)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 large 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 rolling boil. Carefully add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

    Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

      Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart and cook until it's well browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there is excess fat in the pan, carefully drain it.

        Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Enhance the sauce with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend the flavors.

          Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, large egg, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and creamy, then set aside.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the cooked rigatoni with half of the meat sauce. Ensure that the pasta is well-coated with the sauce for a uniform flavor.

              Layer the Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Begin layering by spreading a thin layer of the remaining meat sauce at the bottom. Add half of the rigatoni mixture, dollop generous spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the top, and sprinkle a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Layer the rest of the rigatoni on top, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese atop the dish.

                Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.

                  Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the rigatoni to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish each portion with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch and a hint of freshness.

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

                      Presentation Tips: Serve individual portions on rustic plates, accompanied by a side salad and freshly baked garlic bread for a complete cozy meal experience. Enjoy!