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
Rating 4.6 (5 Reviews)
Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs 102

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. 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