Hearty Rigatoni Bake
This Hearty Rigatoni Bake is a nostalgic dish that takes me back to the warmth of my childhood kitchen. It was the star of my birthday dinners, a time when my mom would indulge my love for rich, cheesy pasta, even during the heat of summer. With its layers of flavorful ground beef, colorful vegetables, and gooey mozzarella, it's a comforting meal that brings family and friends together. Perfect for gatherings, this casserole pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh salad, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're reliving childhood memories or crafting new ones, this dish promises to delight every palate.
N/A
Servings
467
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Rigatoni pasta
0.5 bag (900 g) (cooked according to package directions)
Green pepper
1 (diced)
Onion
1 small (diced)
Fresh mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
Pasta sauce
1 jar (700 ml) (store-bought)
Mozzarella cheese
1 package (8 oz) (grated)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (mixed into the meat)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (mixed into the meat)
Parsley
1 teaspoon (mixed into the meat)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large casserole dish.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. As the beef is cooking, add the garlic powder, oregano, and parsley for flavor.
4
Once the beef is halfway cooked, stir in the diced green pepper, onion, and sliced mushrooms. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
5
Pour the pasta sauce over the meat and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
While the sauce is simmering, grate the mozzarella cheese.
7
Combine the pasta, the meat sauce mixture, and half of the grated mozzarella in the casserole dish. Make sure everything is well mixed. Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
8
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9
For an extra cheesy finish, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
10
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor, if desired.
11
Serve hot and enjoy your Hearty Rigatoni Bake!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
40g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Rigatoni Bake?
It is a comforting, nostalgic casserole dish featuring rigatoni pasta, ground beef, vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should the rigatoni pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground beef.
What spices are added to the ground beef?
Garlic powder, oregano, and parsley are added to the beef for flavor while it browns.
What vegetables are included in the bake?
The dish includes diced green pepper, a small onion, and sliced fresh mushrooms.
How long should the meat sauce simmer?
Once the pasta sauce is added to the meat and vegetables, it should simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe uses an 8 oz package of grated mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
How is the casserole assembled?
Combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella in a casserole dish, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
How do I get a browned cheese topping?
Remove the aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 467 calories per serving.
How much protein does this dish contain?
Each serving contains 30g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 25g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are some suggested side dishes?
This bake pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh salad.
How much pasta sauce is required?
One 700 ml jar of store-bought pasta sauce is needed.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms.
When should I add the vegetables to the skillet?
Add the green pepper, onion, and mushrooms when the ground beef is halfway cooked.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the skillet after the meat and vegetables are cooked.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of parsley.
What is the total amount of rigatoni used?
The recipe uses half of a 900g bag of rigatoni pasta.
Is this a good recipe for gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
Does the recipe suggest a cooling period?
Yes, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Can I add more cheese at the end?
Yes, you can add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top after baking if desired.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal.
What makes this recipe nostalgic?
It was a traditional star of the author's birthday dinners during childhood.
What is the total baking time?
The dish bakes for a total of 35 to 40 minutes.