Rigatoni I
Creamy, cheesy rigatoni baked with seasoned ground beef and mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving comforting Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook until meat is fully browned.
- Drain off excess grease and stir in one jar of spaghetti sauce; simmer for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil rigatoni according to package instructions; drain.
- Add butter and a pinch of garlic powder to the cooked rigatoni; mix well.
- Spread half of the cooked rigatoni into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the other jar of spaghetti sauce over the noodles.
- Spread the meat mixture over the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and mix gently.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil and oregano in the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using lentils or mushrooms instead of beef. For a creamier texture, mix in some ricotta cheese with the mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside Italian recipes like Moma'S Spaghetti for a themed dinner. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rigatoni I contains roughly 240 calories, with 19g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (42% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1681mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rigatoni and meat mixture in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat mixture. You could also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a flavorful kick.
Can I freeze the rigatoni dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled rigatoni before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and adjust the baking time as needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).