Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Beef Rigatoni Cheese Bake, featuring al dente rigatoni enveloped in savory beef and a delicious blend of cheeses. Each mouthful offers a rich combination of flavors that will leave everyone craving more. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to warm hearts and satisfy appetites.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic with the beef until soft.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning; simmer for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, combine cooked rigatoni with cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the meat sauce.
Transfer half the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with half the mozzarella, add remaining pasta mix, and finish with remaining mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use lentils for a vegetarian version.