Cheesy Rigatoni Bake
Mini Presentation: Craving a hearty and cheesy pasta dish? Try this Cheesy Rigatoni Bake! It’s a comforting and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rigatoni, cooked and drained
- 2 jars of spaghetti sauce (24 ounces each)
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage, browned and drained
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 1 cup and 2 cups)
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: Fresh basil, 1-2 cups ricotta cheese, salt, and black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, spaghetti sauce, browned ground meat, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13” casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top the mixture with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese for that extra gooey goodness.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is warmed through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If your casserole dish is broiler-safe, you can turn on the broiler for the last few minutes to brown the cheese slightly, but keep a close eye on it!
Slow Cooker Instructions:
- To make this dish in a slow cooker, add the cooked rigatoni, pasta sauce, ground meat, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Mix well.
- Top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and cook on high for about 2 hours, or on low for 3 hours, until the cheese is melted, and the dish is heated through.
This Cheesy Rigatoni Bake is a crowd-pleaser that combines the flavors of savory meat, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melted cheese. Customize it with optional ingredients like fresh basil or ricotta cheese for an even more indulgent meal. Enjoy your cheesy pasta goodness! 🧀🍝