A delightful twist on the classic pasta bake, this recipe combines rigatoni with a rich meat sauce and gooey cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil.
Tossing the pasta with oil prevents it from sticking together.
In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat, then cook the ground beef until browned.
Break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the beef, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
Adding garlic towards the end prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Mix the cooked pasta with half of the Parmesan cheese and layer it in a greased baking dish.
Greasing the dish ensures easy serving and cleanup.
Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and top with mozzarella cheese.
Spread the sauce evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes, then let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Resting the dish allows the cheese to set, making it easier to serve.
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