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Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake

A hearty baked pasta casserole with rigatoni, savory beef sauce, and layers of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing spoons
  • Baking dish
  • Foil

Method
 

  1. Cook rigatoni until al dente, drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add beef and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
  4. In baking dish, layer beef sauce, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, then repeat.
  5. Top with parmesan and mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
  6. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Add Italian sausage for extra flavor. Can be made ahead and baked before serving.