Meaty Rigatoni Bake

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Meaty Rigatoni Bake! Packed with savory layers of tender al dente rigatoni, hearty ground beef, and flavorful Italian sausage, this dish is simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella and nutty Parmesan cheese, this baked pasta masterpiece combines a satisfying mix of textures and bold Italian flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole comes together in just over an hour and serves six generously. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, the Meaty Rigatoni Bake is your go-to recipe for a crowd-pleasing, cheesy, and comforting meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce in a large bowl, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 7

Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the layer. Add the remaining pasta on top and repeat with the rest of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 8

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, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2611.3 grams (2611.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4552

Total Fat 293.90g	377%
Saturated Fat 115.20g	576%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.10g
Cholesterol 885mg	295%
Sodium 8465mg	368%
Total Carbohydrate 216.00g	79%
Dietary Fiber 22.70g	81%
Total Sugars 43.50g
Protein 268.00g	536%

Vitamin D 181IU	907%
Calcium 2392mg	184%
Iron 26mg	144%
Potassium 4931mg	105%

*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: 57.7%

Protein: 23.4%

Carbs: 18.9%