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Baked Rigatoni Stuffed with Beef Ragu & Mozzarella

Baked Rigatoni Stuffed with Beef Ragu & Mozzarella Bliss

Baked Rigatoni Stuffed with Beef Ragu & Mozzarella is a comforting, customizable dish perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Ragu
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Ideal for sautéing the onion and garlic.
  • 1 Onion Contributes sweetness and depth.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is best!
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Adds concentrated tomato flavor.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Base of the ragu.
  • 1 cup Broth Or Apple Cider Vinegar, can use vegetable broth.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Infuses aromatic notes.
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Infuses aromatic notes.
  • Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Pasta & Cheese
  • 12 ounces Rigatoni Pasta Provides a sturdy vessel for the ragu.
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Gives a gooey texture.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Piping Bag
  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once shimmering, add one chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Cook the Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook for about 8 minutes until nicely browned.
  3. Prepare the Ragu: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, followed by 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of broth. Add 1 teaspoon each of oregano and thyme, with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  4. Cook the Rigatoni: In a large pot of boiling salted water, add 12 ounces of rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  5. Stuff the Rigatoni: Once the ragu thickens, remove from heat. Use a piping bag to stuff each rigatoni with the ragu and place in a greased baking dish.
  6. Add the Cheese: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the stuffed rigatoni, and finish with Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Allow the cooked rigatoni to cool slightly before stuffing to avoid burns. For an extra cheesy crust, mix some mozzarella into the ragu before stuffing.

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