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Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

This Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a comforting and hearty Italian-American casserole featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta baked in a savory marinara sauce with ground beef, fresh herbs, and a luscious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with optional vegetables like zucchini and spinach, it’s a family-friendly dish that combines rich flavors with a satisfyingly cheesy crust.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic (2 large cloves)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • Optional: 1 zucchini, diced
  • Optional: 1–2 handfuls chopped spinach

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 32 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2–3 cups grated mozzarella cheese
  • Olive oil for tossing pasta and foil spraying

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rigatoni later.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente or slightly undercooked, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta, drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, toss gently, and set aside.
  3. Brown Beef: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it up as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain excess grease from the pan.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped garlic and diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
  5. Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the marinara sauce, fresh basil, beef broth, and balsamic vinegar. Mix well and taste the sauce, adjusting salt as needed to balance flavors.
  6. Incorporate Vegetables (Optional): If using, add diced zucchini and chopped spinach into the sauce mixture. Stir to combine and cook briefly until vegetables begin to soften.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cooked rigatoni into a baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and stir to evenly coat all the noodles.
  8. Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese to create a rich cheesy layer for baking.
  9. Prepare for Baking: Spray one side of a piece of foil with olive oil to prevent sticking, then cover the baking dish with the oiled side down.
  10. Bake Covered: Bake the rigatoni covered with foil in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
  11. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
  12. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with extra chopped fresh basil if desired for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
  • To add more vegetables, incorporate mushrooms or bell peppers along with zucchini and spinach.
  • Using slightly undercooked pasta ensures it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Using a cast iron skillet enhances browning and flavor but any large skillet works for cooking the beef mixture.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/cheesy-baked-rigatoni-with-ground-beef-and-vegetables-recipe/