A satisfying meal that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, featuring hearty pasta, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 pound rigatoni pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, beef mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix until evenly combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove the baked rigatoni from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
