Baked Rigatoni with Meatballs

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty and flavorful Baked Rigatoni with Meatballs! Perfectly seared meatballs made with a savory blend of ground beef, pork, Parmesan, and fresh herbs nestle into al dente rigatoni, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and topped with layers of gooey, melted mozzarella. This baked pasta dish delivers the perfect harmony of textures and flavors, crowned with golden, bubbly cheese and optional fresh basil for a touch of brightness. Ideal for family dinners or feeding a crowd, this dish is easy to prepare and bakes to perfection in under an hour. Serve this cozy casserole straight from the oven for a meal that’s both satisfying and irresistibly delicious! Keywords: baked rigatoni with meatballs, cheesy baked pasta, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, family dinner recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 0.5 lb Ground pork
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large Egg
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 lb Rigatoni pasta
• 4 cups Marinara sauce
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 3

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 4

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear them on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. They do not need to be fully cooked. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate.

Step 5

Cook the rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, marinara sauce, and seared meatballs. Mix gently to coat evenly.

Step 7

Spread half of the rigatoni and meatball mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan over the top.

Step 8

Add the remaining rigatoni and meatball mixture on top, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the baked rigatoni rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2092.6 grams (2092.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2840

Total Fat 156.50g	201%
Saturated Fat 53.80g	269%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g
Cholesterol 601mg	200%
Sodium 5856mg	255%
Total Carbohydrate 216.90g	79%
Dietary Fiber 18.60g	66%
Total Sugars 28.20g
Protein 149.50g	299%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 905mg	70%
Iron 19mg	103%
Potassium 1485mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.0%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 30.2%