Classic Italian Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup of ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it begins to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute.
  6. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  7. Drain the fat from the skillet, then stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  8. Place the cooked rigatoni in a large mixing bowl. Add the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir to combine.
  9. Add the meat sauce to the pasta and cheese mixture. Stir well to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
  10. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  11. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. After baking, allow the pasta to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade rigatoni!

Tools for making

  • Large skillet - Needed to cook the ground beef and sauce.
  • Large mixing bowl - Used to combine the cooked pasta, cheese, and sauce.
  • Baking dish - Used to bake the assembled rigatoni in the oven.
  • Spoon - Used to break up the ground beef and stir the sauce.
  • Knife - Needed to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
  • Colander - Used to drain the cooked pasta.
  • Measuring cup - Needed to measure the olive oil, crushed tomatoes, and ricotta cheese.
  • Grater - Used to grate the Parmesan cheese.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or diced vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
  • Spicy kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeno to the sauce for an extra spicy flavor.
  • Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheeses such as fontina, provolone, or cheddar in place of mozzarella or Parmesan.
  • Herb infusion: Add fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to the sauce for extra aroma and flavor.
  • Meat alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different protein option.
  • Creamy twist: Mix some heavy cream or Alfredo sauce into the meat sauce for a richer and creamier version of the dish.
  • Vegan adaptation: Substitute the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with vegan alternatives made from nuts or soy.
  • Gluten-free option: Choose gluten-free rigatoni pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, such as the crushed tomatoes and cheeses, are also gluten-free.
  • Seafood twist: Add cooked shrimp, crab meat, or diced fish to the sauce for a delicious seafood rigatoni.
  • Roasted vegetables: Toss some roasted vegetables like eggplant, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus into the pasta dish for added flavor and texture.

Recipe overview

Get ready to make a delicious and hearty Rigatoni dish that the whole family will love. This recipe takes the classic Italian pasta to the next level with a flavorful meat sauce and a generous helping of three types of cheese - ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. You'll begin by cooking the rigatoni to al dente perfection, then prepare a rich tomato sauce with ground beef and spices. The pasta and sauce are mixed with ricotta and half of the other cheeses, then transferred to a baking dish and topped with the remaining cheese. A quick stint in the oven melts the cheese and melds the flavors together, resulting in a tasty and satisfying dish. This recipe is straightforward to make, and the best part is that it can be prepared in advance, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners or for entertaining guests. Pair it with a fresh salad and some garlic bread for a meal that's sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you prefer. However, rigatoni works best for this recipe as its shape and ridges hold the sauce well.
  2. Can I substitute ground beef with another meat? Absolutely! Ground pork, turkey, or chicken can be used as alternatives to ground beef.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can omit the ground meat and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to make a vegetarian version.
  4. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Certainly! You can assemble the rigatoni and sauce mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven as directed.
  5. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze any leftovers. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  6. What can I serve with rigatoni? Rigatoni pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a main dish.
  7. Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or provolone. However, keep in mind that the combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese gives this dish its classic flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large skillet - Needed for cooking the ground beef and onion.
  • Large baking dish - Used to bake the rigatoni in the oven.
  • Spoon - Used to break up and stir the ground beef while cooking.
  • Mixing bowl - Used to combine the cooked rigatoni, cheese, and sauce.
  • Colander - Used to drain the cooked pasta.
  • Oven - Preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for baking the rigatoni.
  • Stove - Used to cook the ground beef, onion, and sauce.
  • Knife - Used to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Cutting board - Used for chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to measure the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Origin stories

Rigatoni, a beloved pasta shape with its ridged exterior and hollow center, hails from the culinary heartland of Italy. A staple of southern and central Italian cuisines, Rigatoni gets its name from the Italian word "riga" which translates to "line". The pasta's distinguishing grooves are indeed its charm, serving a practical purpose of holding onto hearty sauces, making it a perfect player in baked pasta dishes. No less an authority than the celebrated Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, known for his love of his country's rich culinary heritage, once said that life is a combination of magic and pasta. In the case of rigatoni, one might say this holds particularly true, with its simple design magically enhancing the flavors of traditional Italian ingredients.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.