Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 30 mins | Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- The Pasta: 1 lb (16 oz) rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente.
- The Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage.
- 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite marinara or pasta sauce.
- 1/2 onion, finely diced.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- The Cheesy Layers:
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess).
- Seasoning & Garnish:
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish.
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown: In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the pasta sauce. Let the sauce simmer for about 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine: Toss the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce until every tube is well-coated. If using ricotta, dollop small amounts into the mixture and stir gently.
- Layer and Bake: Pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish. Top generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Melt: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling at the edges.
- Finish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving hot.