🇮🇹 Italian Meatball and Rigatoni Bake 🍽️ Servings: 6–8 ⏱️ Total Time: ~1 hour (less if using pre-mad...

🇮🇹 Italian Meatball and Rigatoni Bake 🍽️ Servings: 6–8 ⏱️ Total Time: ~1 hour (less if using pre-mad...

🇮🇹 Italian Meatball and Rigatoni Bake
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
⏱️ Total Time: ~1 hour (less if using pre-made meatballs)
🔹 Ingredients:

For the Meatballs (or use frozen):

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Bake:

1 lb rigatoni pasta

3 cups marinara or pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tbsp olive oil

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

🔹 Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs (skip if using pre-made):

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until just combined.

Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.

Bake for 15–20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.

2. Cook the Rigatoni:

Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions).

Drain and set aside.

3. Assemble the Bake:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, toss cooked rigatoni with 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce and half the mozzarella.

Fold in the cooked meatballs.

Transfer everything into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Top with remaining marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

4. Bake:

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden, crispy top (optional).

5. Serve:

Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

🔹 Tips & Variations:

Add ricotta in layers for a lasagna-style texture.

Use spicy Italian sausage for a flavor kick

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Posted
2025-09-25T11:02:41+00:00

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