Comforting Baked Rigatoni with Herb-Infused Turkey Meatballs
Indulge in this delightful Baked Rigatoni with Herb-Infused Turkey Meatballs, a cozy, hearty dish that merges the robust flavors of savory meatballs and a rich, seasoned tomato sauce with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe showcases sautéed vegetables and aromatic herbs, complemented by a gooey layer of melted mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan. It's a satisfying meal sure to warm hearts and fill bellies, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
24
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
mushrooms
3 cups (sliced)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (for balancing flavors)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
pepper
3/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
chopped tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (for sauce)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (for thickening sauce)
rigatoni pasta
3 1/2 cups (cooked al dente)
mozzarella cheese
1 1/3 cups (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped for meatballs)
dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (for meatballs)
garlic cloves
2 (minced for meatballs)
Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (freshly grated for meatballs)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (for meatballs)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (for meatballs)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for meatballs)
lean ground turkey
1 lb (for meatballs)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
To make the meatballs, in a mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly. Add finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Gently fold in the ground turkey until fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix. Shape the mixture into heaping tablespoon-sized meatballs and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4
In the same skillet, add chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and chopped green bell pepper. Stir in the dried basil, granulated sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper, along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
5
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the cooked meatballs. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes or until the sauce slightly thickens.
6
Meanwhile, boil a large pot of salted water. Add rigatoni and cook according to package directions for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the meatball tomato sauce over the rigatoni and stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
7
Transfer the mixture to an 11x7-inch (or equivalent) baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in the Comforting Baked Rigatoni meatballs?
The meatballs are made using lean ground turkey, providing a lighter but still flavorful alternative to beef or pork.
What temperature should I set my oven to for this recipe?
You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the rigatoni dish.
How long should the turkey meatballs be browned in the skillet?
The meatballs should be cooked for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides.
What type of pasta is recommended for this baked dish?
This recipe specifically calls for 3 1/2 cups of rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente.
Which vegetables are included in the tomato sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onion, minced garlic, 3 cups of sliced mushrooms, and one chopped green bell pepper.
How long does the sauce need to simmer once the meatballs are added?
Once the meatballs and tomatoes are added, the mixture should simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes until it thickens.
What cheeses are used to top the Comforting Baked Rigatoni?
The dish is topped with 1 1/3 cups of shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How long does the final baking process take?
The assembled dish should be baked for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
What ingredients are used to bind the turkey meatballs?
One lightly beaten egg and 1/4 cup of dry breadcrumbs are used as binding agents for the meatballs.
Why is granulated sugar added to the sauce?
Granulated sugar is used in the recipe to help balance the acidic flavors of the tomatoes and tomato paste.
Is Parmesan cheese used inside the meatballs as well?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese are mixed directly into the meatball mixture.
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using an 11x7-inch baking dish or an equivalent size.
Should the rigatoni be fully cooked before being added to the sauce?
No, the rigatoni should be cooked for about 8 minutes until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly during the baking process.
What herbs are used to season the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with dried oregano, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
How many garlic cloves are needed in total for this recipe?
A total of four garlic cloves are needed: two for the meatballs and two for the vegetable sauce.
Can I overmix the meatball ingredients?
It is recommended to gently fold the ground turkey until just incorporated to avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
What type of canned tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for one 28-ounce can of chopped tomatoes.
What is the purpose of adding water to the skillet while cooking the vegetables?
Adding 2 tablespoons of water helps soften the onions, garlic, mushrooms, and bell peppers during the 10-minute sautéing process.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features robust flavors from savory meatballs, aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
Is there a specific size for the meatballs?
The mixture should be shaped into heaping tablespoon-sized meatballs.
How much olive oil is used to cook the meatballs?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet to brown the meatballs.
Do I need to drain the meatballs after browning them?
Yes, after browning, the meatballs should be transferred to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
What is the role of tomato paste in the recipe?
Two tablespoons of tomato paste are added to help thicken the sauce and deepen its flavor.
How much onion is required for the meatballs specifically?
You will need 1/3 cup of finely chopped onion for the meatball mixture.
What herbs are added to the vegetable sauce mixture?
The vegetable sauce is seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Can this recipe be served at potlucks?
Yes, its hearty nature and easy-to-serve baked format make it an ideal choice for family dinners or potlucks.
Is there any preparation needed for the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be sliced before being added to the skillet with the other vegetables.
How much salt is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 1 teaspoon of salt for seasoning, while the meatballs use an additional 3/4 teaspoon.
Should I cover the dish while it is in the oven?
The instructions do not specify covering; baking it uncovered allows the cheese to become golden brown.
What should I do after the cheese is melted and golden brown?
Once the baking is complete, serve the rigatoni hot and enjoy the meal.