Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking beef and onions
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. In the baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked rigatoni on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up.
7. Top the final layer with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the baked rigatoni cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 520
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 1090mg
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for the ricotta cheese.
- Any type of grated cheese can be substituted for the Parmesan cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be substituted for the mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a more complex flavor.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ricotta cheese mixture for extra nutrition.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or ziti, instead of rigatoni.
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overcook the rigatoni, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Make sure to drain the cooked rigatoni well before adding it to the baking dish.
- Use a good quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the baked rigatoni cool for a few minutes before serving, as it will be very hot.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked rigatoni in individual bowls or on plates, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil or parsley
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked rigatoni is too dry, add a little extra tomato sauce or a splash of milk to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- If the baked rigatoni is too saucy, reduce the amount of tomato sauce in the recipe.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Baked rigatoni is a classic Italian-American dish that has been popular for decades. It is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Flavor profiles:
The tomato sauce is rich and savory, with hints of basil and oregano. The beef adds a meaty flavor, while the ricotta cheese mixture adds creaminess and tanginess. The mozzarella cheese on top is melted and gooey, with a slightly salty flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked rigatoni with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian meal.
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Region: Italian