If you're looking for a hearty and filling meal that's both delicious and easy to make, you can't go wrong with Rigatoni Meatball Bake. Packed with flavor and loaded with protein, this dish is sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Plus, at 984 calories per serving, it's the perfect choice for a post-workout meal or a special weekend dinner with friends and family.

To make Rigatoni Meatball Bake, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including rigatoni pasta, ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. Once you've got everything you need, it's just a matter of following a few simple instructions to create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. So why not give it a try today and see for yourself how delicious Rigatoni Meatball Bake can be?

Ingredients for Rigatoni Meatball Bake

To make Rigatoni Meatball Bake, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 cups marinara sauce

These ingredients yield a large serving size, so feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your needs.

Instructions to Cook Rigatoni Meatball Bake

To make Rigatoni Meatball Bake, follow these simple instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
4. Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball.
5. In a large skillet, cook the meatballs over medium heat until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
7. Arrange the meatballs on top of the pasta, then pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over everything.
8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and filling Rigatoni Meatball Bake!

Nutritional Value of Rigatoni Meatball Bake

Each serving of Rigatoni Meatball Bake contains the following nutritional information:

• calories: 984
• Total Fat: 50g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Cholesterol: 217mg
• Sodium: 1597mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 69g
• Dietary Fiber: 7g
• Total Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 64g

This dish is high in calories and fat, so it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Serving Size of Rigatoni Meatball Bake

This recipe yields one large serving of Rigatoni Meatball Bake, but you can easily adjust the quantities to make more or less depending on your needs.

Variations of Rigatoni Meatball Bake

Rigatoni Meatball Bake is an adaptable dish that can be customized according to your preferences. Some simple variations to try include:

• Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef for a lighter twist.
• Add your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne or spaghetti.
• Top with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for an extra burst of flavor.

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!

Tips to Make Rigatoni Meatball Bake Healthier

While Rigatoni Meatball Bake is a delicious and satisfying meal, it's also quite high in calories and fat. Here are a few tips to make it a little healthier:

• Use lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken instead of regular ground beef to reduce the fat content.
• Replace some or all of the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option.
• Use low-fat or part-skim mozzarella cheese to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
• Add more vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.
• Use a marinara sauce that's low in sugar and sodium to reduce the overall calorie and sodium content of the dish.

With these simple tweaks, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without all the excess calories and fat.

Other Recipes to Try with Rigatoni Meatball Bake

If you enjoyed Rigatoni Meatball Bake, you might also like these other delicious and easy dinner recipes:

• Simple Chicken Parmesan
• One-Pot Beef Stroganoff
• Easy Baked Ziti
• Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Shells
• Italian Sausage and Peppers

All of these dishes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

How to Store Rigatoni Meatball Bake

If you have any leftovers of Rigatoni Meatball Bake, you can easily store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

• Refrigerator: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the leftovers in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen) and then heat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Possible Side Dishes for Rigatoni Meatball Bake

Rigatoni Meatball Bake pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Grilled asparagus

These sides are sure to elevate your meal and take it to the next level!

Popularity of Rigatoni Meatball Bake

Rigatoni Meatball Bake is a popular dish that's loved by many. In fact, it's been featured in numerous food blogs, magazines, and cookbooks over the years. Some of the reasons this dish is so popular include its rich flavor, hearty texture, and versatility. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just feeding yourself, Rigatoni Meatball Bake is a delicious and satisfying choice that's sure to please. So why not try making it for yourself today and see what all the fuss is about?