Creamy Meat Sauce Pasta Bake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 16 oz rigatoni pasta
02 - 1 lb ground beef
03 - 1 onion, chopped
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
10 - 1 tablespoon minced garlic
11 - 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 - 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
14 - 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - Dried parsley, for garnish
16 - Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Drain excess grease. Stir in minced garlic, marinara sauce, and heavy cream. Turn off heat
03 - In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the meat sauce, 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients
04 - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown and bubbly
05 - Garnish with dried parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot

# Notes:

01 - Ground Italian sausage or turkey can substitute for ground beef
02 - Penne or ziti pasta can replace rigatoni if needed
03 - Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish
04 - Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking

Back