Stuffed Rigatoni with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Stuffed Rigatoni with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Ingredients:

• For the Stuffed Rigatoni:
  • 1 lb (500g) rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb (500g) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Sauce:
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For Assembly:
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until slightly undercooked (al dente), as it will bake later. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
   • Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cool slightly before stuffing.
3. Stuff the Rigatoni:
   • Using a small spoon or piping bag, stuff the ground meat mixture into each rigatoni piece. Set the stuffed pasta aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
   • Add sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
   • Arrange stuffed rigatoni in the dish in a single layer.
   • Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta, ensuring all pieces are covered.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed rigatoni!

Feel free to modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences! Let me know if you’d like variations or additional tips.