Rigatonis
Savory stuffed rigatoni baked with cheese and sauce, offering a comforting blend of flavors perfect for family dinners and gatherings alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Precook rigatonis for about 5 minutes until halfway tender.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Mix ground hamburger, eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Take each rigatoni noodle and stuff it with the hamburger mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed rigatoni in a pan or dish.
- Bake the rigatoni in the oven.
- Create one layer of stuffed rigatoni.
- Add a layer of cheese, then sauce, another layer of rigatoni, more sauce, and top with cheese.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 hours.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some chopped herbs like basil or parsley to the hamburger mixture. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. Make sure to drain the rigatonis well to prevent excess water from making the dish soggy. This recipe is great for leftovers, so make a larger batch if you like!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed rigatonis hot, garnished with extra fresh grated cheese and chopped parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or rolls on the side. For a complete meal, consider a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the rigatonis. Browse more Italian recipes for more inspiration!
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rigatonis contains roughly 8 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1764mg per serving (77% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed rigatonis in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as they will be cold when they go in the oven.
What can I use instead of fresh grated cheese?
If you don't have fresh grated cheese, pre-shredded cheese works as a convenient substitute. However, for the best flavor and texture, try to use cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan that melt well. You can also experiment with different cheese blends for added depth.
Can I freeze the stuffed rigatonis?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra time if 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).