Stuffed Rigatoni with Beef (Print Version)

Pasta tubes stuffed with savory ground beef, topped with melted cheese and baked until golden for a satisfying family dinner.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 300g rigatoni pasta
02 - Salt (for boiling water)

→ Meat Filling

03 - 500g ground beef
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon paprika
09 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
10 - Salt to taste
11 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
12 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

→ Assembly

13 - 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
17 - ½ cup marinara sauce or meat sauce (optional, for extra moisture)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until just al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool for stuffing.
02 - In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Stir in tomato paste and cook until beef is browned, about 8–10 minutes. Optional: Add Parmesan cheese for richer flavor. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
03 - Use a small spoon or your fingers to gently stuff each piece of rigatoni with the beef mixture. Arrange the stuffed rigatoni in a lightly oiled baking dish in a single or stacked layer.
04 - Optionally, spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce over the rigatoni for moisture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan generously over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
05 - Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, meaty, satisfying flavors!

# Additional Notes:

01 - Swap beef for ground turkey or sausage if desired.
02 - Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy version.
03 - Mix some ricotta cheese into the beef for a creamier filling.

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