Savory Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef and Mushroom Medley
Indulge in this Savory Baked Rigatoni, a delightful fusion of hearty ground beef, vibrant mushrooms, and zesty pasta sauce, all enveloped in gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish utilizes your favorite store-bought tomato sauce, although using a homemade variation can elevate the flavors even further. The classically paired ingredients create a warm, comforting meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Opt for ziti or penne pasta if you prefer a different shape, and customize the spice level with chili flakes to match your taste. With the right sauce, this dish becomes a family favorite in no time!
3
Servings
600
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
small white button mushrooms
1/2 lb (whole, cleaned)
lean ground beef
1 lb (raw)
onion
1 (chopped)
fresh minced garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
dried chili pepper flakes
2 teaspoons (to taste)
red bell pepper
1 small (seeded and chopped)
seasoning salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
black pepper
to taste (ground)
cooked rigatoni pasta
4 cups (do not overcook)
pasta sauce
26 ounce bottle (favorite store-bought or homemade)
grated mozzarella cheese
3 cups (plus more for topping)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish, ensuring it's roomy enough for the mixture.
3
In a skillet, add a drizzle of oil or a knob of butter and sauté the whole small white button mushrooms. Cook until they have released their moisture and become nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to a large mixing bowl.
4
In the same skillet, add the lean ground beef. Sprinkle in the chili flakes, onions, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Cook everything over medium heat until the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the vegetables are tender, about 12-15 minutes.
5
Season the mixture with seasoning salt and black pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then combine the beef and vegetable mixture with the sautéed mushrooms in the bowl.
6
Add your chosen pasta sauce and 1-1/2 cups of grated mozzarella to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
7
Gently fold in the cooked rigatoni pasta until evenly distributed in the mixture.
8
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
9
Top the mixture with grated Parmesan cheese for an added flavor kick.
10
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
11
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
12
Return the casserole to the oven and continue to bake for an additional 5-6 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and golden.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
50g
Carbs
40g
Protein
2g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef and Mushroom Medley?
It is a comforting pasta casserole made with rigatoni, lean ground beef, white button mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese baked in a zesty tomato sauce.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 3 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients include rigatoni pasta, lean ground beef, mushrooms, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, pasta sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other shapes like ziti or penne if you prefer.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of lean ground beef.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 pound of small white button mushrooms, cleaned and left whole.
How long do I need to sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the mushrooms for about 10 minutes until they are browned and have released their moisture.
What vegetables are included in the beef mixture?
The beef is cooked with one chopped onion and one small seeded and chopped red bell pepper.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic.
How long does it take to brown the beef?
It takes approximately 12 to 15 minutes to cook the beef and vegetables until the meat is no longer pink.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the skillet after the beef and vegetables are cooked.
What kind of pasta sauce should I use?
You can use a 26-ounce bottle of your favorite store-bought pasta sauce or a homemade version.
How much mozzarella cheese is mixed into the pasta?
The recipe calls for mixing 1-1/2 cups of grated mozzarella into the bowl with the beef and sauce.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
Use 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to top the casserole before baking.
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake the casserole for 15 to 20 minutes until it is heated through and bubbly.
When do I add the final layer of mozzarella?
Add the remaining mozzarella cheese after the initial 15-20 minute bake, then return to the oven.
How long is the final bake for the cheese topping?
Bake for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and golden.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 40 grams of protein.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can customize the heat by adjusting the amount of dried chili pepper flakes.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
There are 3 grams of sugar per serving.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A medium-sized casserole dish that is roomy enough for the mixture is recommended.
How much seasoning salt is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of seasoning salt, or to taste.
Should I overcook the rigatoni?
No, you should ensure the rigatoni is cooked but not overcooked before adding it to the mix.
How much cooked pasta is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of cooked rigatoni pasta.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed in total?
A total of 3 cups of grated mozzarella cheese is used for the mixture and the topping.