🍝 Ultimate Cheesy Rigatoni Bake: A Flavor-Packed Pasta Casserole Delight! 🧀

Absolutely! 🍝 Here’s a detailed recipe for an Awesome Cheesy Rigatoni Bake that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! This dish is a comforting blend of rigatoni pasta, savory meats, creamy cheeses, and a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner with loved ones or to impress guests at your next gathering. Plus, it’s super easy to make! 😋

Awesome Cheesy Rigatoni Bake

• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
• Optional: canned sliced mushrooms

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the dish.

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2. Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 13×9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the pasta from sticking.

3. Cook Rigatoni Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni pasta until it’s firm-tender. Make sure not to overcook it, as it will continue to cook when baked. Drain the pasta and toss it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent it from drying out. Set aside.

4. Cook Ground Beef and Pork: In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the lean ground beef and ground pork over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meats are browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.

5. Add Pasta Sauce: Stir in the pasta sauce into the cooked meat mixture. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and eggs. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This cheesy mixture will add layers of creamy goodness to your bake!

7. Assemble the Bake:

   • Spread 1-1/2 cups of the meat sauce on the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
   • Top the sauce with half of the cooked rigatoni pasta.
   • Next, spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
   • Add another layer of the remaining meat sauce on top.
   • Repeat the layers one more time, ending with a final layer of the meat sauce on top.

8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole. This will create a golden, gooey crust as it bakes.

9. Bake Until Bubbly: Place the assembled casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden brown.

10. Let it Rest: Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it stand for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice into neat portions.

11. Serve and Enjoy: Dish up generous portions of this Awesome Cheesy Rigatoni Bake onto plates. Each bite is a delightful combination of tender pasta, savory meats, and creamy cheeses.

12. Optional: If you love mushrooms, you can add canned sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete and delicious dinner! 🥗🍞 Enjoy! 🎉