Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs Recipe

This comforting Baked Rigatoni with Meatballs recipe is a Southern Living-inspired classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Enjoy tender rigatoni in a rich tomato sauce brimming with flavorful turkey meatballs. For a time-saving shortcut, feel free to use frozen meatballs!

Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 648.1 kcal
Protein 87g
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Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs 258

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons water

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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.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

69 g

Sugar

51g

Fat

55g

Carbs

16g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs?

Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs takes about 75 minutes from start to finish — roughly 25 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs?

Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs has approximately 648.1 calories per serving, with about 87 g protein, 16 g carbohydrates and 47 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs?

The key ingredients for Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs are Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Mushrooms, Green Bell Pepper, Dried Basil. See the full list with measurements above.

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