Classic Rigatoni Surprise Recipe

This classic rigatoni surprise recipe is a crowd-pleaser! It's a hearty and delicious dish that is easy to make. The combination of rigatoni pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some vegetables for those picky eaters. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, you can have a warm and comforting meal on the table in no time. Serve it with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce. Stir until well coated.
7. Top the pasta with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Interesting Facts