Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato paste, coating the meat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is very thick and holds together on a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until just al dente, 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and spread on a baking sheet to cool enough to handle.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer the thickened ragu to a piping bag or zip-top bag with one corner cut off. Insert the tip into one end of each rigatoni tube and squeeze gently to fill. Alternatively, use a small spoon to carefully stuff each tube.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed rigatoni in the dish, either laying them flat side-by-side or standing them upright in rows. Pack them snugly so they support each other.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. The filling stays inside the tubes, preventing drying. Reheat individual portions in microwave or entire dish covered in 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes. Freezing: Assemble unbaked dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then bake as directed, adding 10 minutes. Substitutions: Use Italian sausage for spicier flavor, ground turkey for leaner option, or mushrooms/lentils for vegetarian version. Add red wine to ragu for depth. Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, or make ragu up to 3 days ahead. Pro Tip: Simmer ragu until very thick so filling doesn't run out. Use piping bag or zip-top bag for easier, faster stuffing.
