GROUND BEEF BAKED RIGATONI

BAKED RIGATONI … cause Ziti can’t have all the fun.

Yes, I admit it, this dish is basically baked Ziti but uses Rigatoni instead. That’s great news because you can absolutely use Ziti instead and have your more traditional Baked Ziti pasta night. Me, I wanted a larger noodle for an, albeit, slightly different vibe and mouth feel. This dish is so fun, so flavorful, and easy to make. It’s a crowdpleaser for your carnivorous friends. And, my kiddos love it! If I were hosting friends with kids, this dish would be a no-brainer.

More Meaty Pasta Night Dishes

Turkey Bolognese

Mini Meatballs With Pesto Pasta Shells

Creamy Turkey Bolognese With Pasta Shells

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GROUND BEEF BAKED RIGATONI

Yield: 8 Servings

Author: Michelle Williams

Prep time: 25 MinCook time: 40 MinTotal time: 1 H & 5 M

Ingredients

• Rigatoni (1 pound)
• Cooking Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, divided)
• 80% Lean Ground Beef (1 pound)
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
• Onion Powder (1 teaspoon)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Crushed Tomatoes (28-ounce can)
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon)
• White Sugar (1 1/2 teaspoons)
• Heavy Cream (1 cup)
• Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons, grated. Divided)
• Fresh Basil (1/3 cup +1 teaspoon, chopped. Divided)
• Shredded Mozzarella (2 cups, divided)

KITCHEN TOOLS

• Stock Pot with Lid
• Strainer
• Large Non-Stick Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Large Mixing Bowl OR Plate
• Cutting Board
• Chefs Knife
• 8x8 Inch OR 9x13 Inch Baking Dish

Instructions

TO MAKE YOUR PASTA AND PREP YOUR GROUND BEEF

1. Over high heat, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in your stock pot. Add your pasta and cook to an even firmer than normal al dente according to your package's instructions. The package I used recommended 14 minutes and I cooked mine for 12 for this recipe. While your rigatoni is cooking, move on to your ground beef.
2. Strain. Set aside.
3. In your frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of your olive oil over high heat.
4. Add ground beef. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your wooden spoon to stir it around until you have a crumble. Then, let it sit untouched until you see some golden browning happening on the side that is touching the pan—about 8 minutes.
5. Transfer your ground beef to a large mixing bowl or plate. DON'T clean your frying pan.

TO MAKE YOUR SAUCE

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
2. Heat your remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the frying pan you just used to make your meat. Add your garlic and cook until softened—1 minute.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and sugar. Mix. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add heavy cream, 1/3 cup of parmesan, and 1/3 cup of basil. Mix until it's all fully integrated.
5. Mix in your ground beef.
6. Put your pasta back in the now empty stock pot, pour the meat sauce over it, and use your wooden spoon to fold it all together until you have an even mixture.
7. Transfer half of your rigatoni mixture into your baking dish as your first layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan evenly over the top of it to make your second layer. Add the rest of your rigatoni mixture to make your third layer. And then evenly sprinkle on 1 more cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan on top of it all.
8. Bake until you have a touch of golden browning on your cheese—15 minutes.
9. Sprinkle your remaining teaspoon of basil over the top.
10. Serve. Eat. Enjoy!

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