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Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pasta

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pasta That'll Warm Your Heart

Cheesy Baked Rigatoni Pasta is a comforting dish that combines hearty Italian sausage, beef, and gooey cheese to create a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Appetizers
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Greased 9x13 inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound Italian sausage adds a spicy kick; feel free to use mild if you prefer
  • 1 pound Lean ground beef provides a hearty texture that complements the sausage perfectly
  • 24 ounces Marinara sauce the luscious base that bathes the pasta in rich flavors

For the Pasta

  • 16 ounces Rigatoni pasta its tubular shape holds the sauce beautifully

For the Cheese Topping

  • 3 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese mix in some provolone for extra flavor
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients and equipment.
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, combine Italian sausage and ground beef over medium heat, cooking for 8-10 minutes until browned.
  • Stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, meat sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavor. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Baked Pasta, Cheesy Baked Rigatoni, cheesy pasta, Comfort Food, Italian Sausage, Pasta
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