Super Easy Baked Rigatoni with Hearty Meat Sauce

1Ingredients

• 340 gramRigatoni pasta
• 450 gramGround beef (80/20)
• 1 mediumYellow onion, chopped
• 3 clovesGarlic, minced
• 680 gram canCrushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoonsItalian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoonSalt
• 0.3 teaspoonBlack pepper
• 1.5 cupShredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cupGrated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoonOlive oil

2Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

   ⏱ 10 min
2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.

   ⏱ 7 min
3. 3

   Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the browned beef and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

   ⏱ 5 min
4. 4

   Pour in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.

   ⏱ 15 min
5. 5

   In a large bowl, combine the drained rigatoni and the meat sauce. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is well coated. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.

   ⏱ 3 min
6. 6

   Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

   ⏱ 2 min
7. 7

   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

   ⏱ 25 min