Baked Meatballs with Rigatoni

Baked Meatballs with Rigatoni

Baked meatballs with rigatoni is a comforting, hearty dish that blends savory meatballs with pasta and marinara sauce, topped with melted cheese. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s also relatively easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both experienced cooks and beginners.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork (optional for added flavor and moisture)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

For the Rigatoni:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

   Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the meatballs to help them brown and keep them moist.

3. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). They should be browned on the outside and juicy on the inside.
4. Cook the Rigatoni: While the meatballs are baking, cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Combine and Bake: In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni on top of the sauce and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly.

   Arrange the baked meatballs over the rigatoni. Pour additional marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.

   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

   Bake the dish in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is hot.

6. Garnish and Serve: Once the dish is finished baking, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

   Serve the baked meatballs with rigatoni hot, ideally with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

This dish combines the rich flavors of homemade meatballs with the comfort of pasta and cheese, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the deliciously cheesy, saucy goodness of baked meatballs with rigatoni!