Ground Beef Stuffed Cheesy Rigatoni Bake Ingredients Pasta •1 lb (450 g) large rigatoni •1 tbsp olive oil Beef Filling •1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef •1 small onion, finely diced •3 cloves garlic, minced •1 tsp Italian seasoning •1 tsp paprika •½ tsp garlic powder •½ tsp onion powder •½ tsp salt •¼ tsp black pepper •¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese •2 tbsp chopped parsley Sauce •2 cups marinara sauce •½ cup beef broth (optional) •1 tbsp butter Cheese •2 cups shredded mozzarella •½ cup shredded provolone (optional) •¼ cup grated Parmesan Garnish •Fresh chopped parsley •Red pepper flakes (optional) Instructions 1. Cook the Pasta •Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. •Cook rigatoni 2 minutes less than package directions (al dente). •Drain and toss lightly with olive oil. •Let cool enough to handle. 2. Make the Beef Filling Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook: •onion for 3–4 minutes •add garlic for 30 seconds •add ground beef and cook until browned Drain excess grease. Stir in: •Italian seasoning •paprika •garlic powder •onion powder •salt •pepper Remove from heat. Mix in: •Parmesan •parsley Allow filling to cool slightly. 3. Stuff the Rigatoni Using a small spoon (or piping bag), fill each rigatoni tube with the beef mixture. 4. Assemble Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half the marinara in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange stuffed rigatoni standing up or laying flat. Pour remaining sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle with: •mozzarella •provolone •Parmesan 5. Bake Cover with foil. Bake: •20 minutes covered •Remove foil. •Bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Broil for 2 minutes if you like extra browning. Finish Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with: •garlic bread •Caesar salad •roasted vegetables Secret Tips for the Restaurant Look Mix a little mozzarella into the beef filling for an extra cheesy center. Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream to the marinara for a richer, silkier sauce. Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil after baking. Broil for the last 1–2 minutes to get those golden brown cheese spots.