Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs

• Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• Garlic Cloves
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• Green Bell Pepper
• Dried Basil
• Granulated Sugar
• Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Rigatoni Pasta
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Parmesan Cheese
• 1 large egg
• Dry Breadcrumbs
• Lean Ground Turkey

How to Make Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs

1. **Make the Meatballs:**
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. In a large bowl, lightly beat 1 large egg.
4. Add 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
5. Gently fold in 1 pound ground turkey.
6. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (approximately 20-24).
7. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Brown the meatballs in batches for 8-10 minutes, ensuring they are browned on all sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
9. **Prepare the Sauce:**
10. Add 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons water to the skillet.
11. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until vegetables are softened.
12. Stir in 28 ounces crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
13. Bring to a boil, then add the browned meatballs.
14. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
15. **Cook the Pasta & Assemble:**
16. While the sauce simmers, cook 1 pound rigatoni in a large pot of boiling salted water for 8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain.
17. Return the cooked rigatoni to the pot and add the meatball sauce, stirring to coat.
18. Transfer the rigatoni and sauce to an 11x7-inch baking dish or 8-cup shallow casserole dish.
19. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
20. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.