Go Back
+ servings
rigatoni with sauce and cheese in a black skillet
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Rigatoni Al Forno

A quick and easy meal made in under 45 minutes! The ultimate weeknight meal that will satisfy the entire family.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Main Entree
Cuisine: American, Italian American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 625kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Rigatoni
  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 Small Onion diced
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Granulated Garlic
  • 56 ounces Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Basil
  • 1/4 cup Ricotta Cheese
  • 4 cups Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tsp Red Crushed Pepper optional
  • Oil
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat some oil in a an oven-safe large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the onions and cook until translucent.
  • Stir in the garlic and red crushed pepper and cook for 20 seconds.
  • Add the beef and cook until browned.
  • Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and granulated garlic.
  • Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the meat sauce for 15 minutes.
  • Cook the rigatoni 2 minutes less than what the packaging instructions recommend.
  • Add the cooked rigatoni to the meat sauce and stir well.
  • Stir in 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese.
  • Check for seasoning and then add the remaining mozzarella cheese over the skillet and bake for 10 minutes uncovered.
  • Broil for 1 minute or until the cheese is completely melted.
  • Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Video

Notes

  • Make sure to salt the boiling water generously with kosher salt before adding the rigatoni.
  • Cook the rigatoni 2 minutes less than what the packaging instructions recommend. The rigatoni will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Do not rinse the pasta.
  • Make sure to add a pinch or 1 tsp of sugar to the meat sauce to help balance the acidity.

Nutrition

Calories: 625kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 722mg | Potassium: 959mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 975IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 438mg | Iron: 5mg