Looking for a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Mozzarella recipe! This comforting dish is packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich and savory flavors that come together beautifully
- Quick and simple prep time for a satisfying meal
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers for busy weeknights
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe calls for:
- Rigatoni: Provides a hearty base for the dish
- Italian sausage and ground beef: Adds delicious flavor and protein
- Yellow onion and garlic: Enhances the savory profile
- Marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich and flavorful sauce
- Kosher salt and Italian seasoning: Seasonings that bring everything together
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce
- Mozzarella cheese: A gooey and melty topping
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and cook the rigatoni until al dente.
- Cook the Italian sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, salt, Italian seasoning, and butter.
- Combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool, sprinkle with parsley, and serve family-style.
Helpful Tips:
- Don’t overcook the rigatoni as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
- For added heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the meat sauce.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier topping.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to thicken the sauce.
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This Baked Rigatoni pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- While rigatoni works best, you can also use penne or ziti.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, but mozzarella works best for that classic gooey topping.
Conclusion:
Get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with this Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Mozzarella recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Rigatoni recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring Italian sausage, ground beef, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound rigatoni
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Cheese:
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (24 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter
- 3 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- minced fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F.
- Cook the rigatoni: Boil in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Cook the meats: Brown sausage, beef, onion, and garlic together.
- Make the sauce: Add marinara, crushed tomatoes, salt, seasoning, and butter to the meat mixture.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix rigatoni into the sauce.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, cover, and bake.
- Rest and serve: Let cool, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier topping.
- Allow the dish to rest after baking for easier serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.