Description
Baked Rigatoni Stuffed with Beef Ragu & Mozzarella is a comforting and delicious family-friendly dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Tender rigatoni pasta is stuffed with a rich and flavorful beef ragu sauce, then baked to perfection with a melty mozzarella cheese topping.
Ingredients
– 1 lb rigatoni pasta
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. – In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
3. – Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent.
4. – Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
5. – Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. – Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. – Stuff each rigatoni tube with a spoonful of the beef ragu sauce.
8. – Place the stuffed rigatoni in a baking dish and top with the remaining sauce and the shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. – Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. – Let the baked rigatoni cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
– For a creamier texture, mix in a dollop of ricotta cheese or cream cheese to the beef ragu.
– Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or parmesan, to customize the flavor.
– Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian