Description
The ultimate comfort food, this Baked Rigatoni is filled with savory beef ragu and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, baked until golden.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth or red apple vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 12–14 large rigatoni pasta tubes
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil spray or brush for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it’s browned.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth (or vinegar). Season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Let the ragu simmer uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.
- In another pot, boil the rigatoni until just al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Stuff each rigatoni tube with the cooled beef ragu using a piping bag or a spoon.
- Arrange the stuffed rigatoni in a greased baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Notes
This dish is versatile; substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: baked rigatoni, beef ragu, mozzarella, comfort food, Italian cuisine