Baked Rigatoni Stuffed with Beef Ragu & Mozzarella: Irresistible Comfort!
Baked Rigatoni Stuffed with Beef Ragu & Mozzarella is the perfect comfort food for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot
- Baking Dish
- Spatula
- Piping bag or spoon
Ingredients
For the Ragu
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil can be substituted with canola or vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion can substitute with shallots for milder taste
- 2 cloves Garlic can substitute with garlic powder
- 1 pound Ground Beef can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste can substitute with tomato sauce if needed
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes can substitute with diced tomatoes for chunkier texture
- 1 cup Beef Broth or Red Wine can substitute with vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano can substitute with Italian seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme can use fresh thyme for brighter bite
- Salt & Pepper essential for seasoning, adjust to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces Rigatoni can substitute with penne or ziti
For the Topping
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese can substitute with provolone for different flavor
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese can substitute with Grana Padano
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, followed by crushed tomatoes and beef broth or red wine. Season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
- In a separate pot, boil salted water. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Stuff each rigatoni with the beef ragu mixture using a piping bag or a spoon. Arrange the stuffed pasta in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the stuffed rigatoni.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This dish can be assembled and stored in the fridge for up to a day. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg
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