Stuffed Rigatoni
Stuffed rigatoni features large pasta tubes filled with a savory blend of ground meats, garlic, and cheese, then baked in a rich sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy comforting, flavorful Italian-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic, ground beef, and ground pork in a pan until cooked.
- Stuff the cooked meat mixture into partially cooked large rigatoni pasta.
- Layer the stuffed rigatoni in a baking dish and cover with spaghetti sauce.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped herbs like parsley or basil to the meat mixture. If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey can be used instead of beef and pork. To save time, you can use store-bought spaghetti sauce instead of making your own, similar to the sauce used in Easy Lasagna(No Precooking Of Pasta).
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed rigatoni with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of additional grated cheese on top just before serving enhances the dish. This recipe pairs beautifully with Homemade Spaghetti And Meat Sauce for a hearty Italian dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in an oven-safe 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 until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Rigatoni contains roughly 930 calories, with 31g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2425mg per serving (105% 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 use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
While rigatoni works well for stuffing, you can use other large pasta shapes like cannelloni or shells. Just ensure they are large enough to hold the filling and adjust cooking times accordingly, as some shapes might require different baking times.
What can I substitute for the ground beef and pork?
You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. Alternatively, try using a plant-based meat substitute if you're looking for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust seasonings to enhance the flavor of the alternative protein.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare and assemble the stuffed rigatoni ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).