Cheesy Beefy Baked Rigatoni

Easy Baked Rigatoni is a cheesy baked pasta with a rich and meaty sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. rigatoni Olive oil (to coat)  
• 2 lbs. ground beef  
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)  
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)  
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley  
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (crushed)  
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)  
• 2 24 oz cans marinara or spaghetti sauce  
• 2 teaspoons dried basil  
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano  
• 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.  
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and boil about 1 minute less than the al dente package instructions. Drain, then place in the prepared baking dish.  
3. Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef, breaking it up with a spoon and spreading it over the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes, then stir and add the onion. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, another 6-7 minutes, or until onion is softened and beef is cooked through. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Drain off any excess grease.  
4. Stir in the parsley, fennel, and red pepper flakes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.  
5. Pour in both cans of marinara sauce. Sprinkle with basil and oregano. Stir well and heat through.  
6. Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta in the baking dish, stirring to coat. Sprinkle with cheese, then bake for 23-27 minutes or until cheese is fully melted and starting to brown in places.

Safe Handling Tips:

• Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat. 
• Separate raw meat from other foods. 
• Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat. 
• Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods. 
• Wash all produce prior to use. 
• Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes. Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer. 
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly. 

For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips. 

For more information on safe food handling and beef safety.