Imagine enjoying a steaming, golden-baked bowl of Rigatoni al Forno, filling your kitchen with the aromas of melted cheese, juicy ground beef, and creamy tomato sauce. This dish is not only a true feast for the palate, but also a wonderful way to impress family and friends. Perfect for foodies, home cooks, and anyone who loves to discover new dishes!
Rigatoni al Forno is a traditional Italian dish prepared in many variations throughout Italy. It's a type of baked pasta, often prepared with a hearty meat sauce and plenty of cheese. This recipe combines the simple elegance of Italian cuisine with the comfort of a hearty casserole, making it perfect for cold winter days or cozy family dinners.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking/baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients for 4 servings:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 150 g minced beef
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 200 ml vegetable stock
- 200 ml cream
- 1 tbsp cold butter
- 1 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Cayenne pepper
- 400g rigatoni
- 150 g cooked ham
- 200 g grated Edam cheese
Preparation:
- Prepare the sauce:
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan. Add the minced meat and fry, stirring, until browned and crumbly. Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and fry briefly. Deglaze with the vegetable stock, add the cream, and bring to a boil. Stir in the remaining tomato paste and simmer for at least 30 minutes to reduce the sauce. Then melt the butter and season with salt, cayenne pepper, and Parmesan cheese. - Cooking pasta:
Cook the rigatoni in plenty of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain in a colander, then return it to the pot. This will ensure the rigatoni is al dente and ready for the next step. - Prepare the ham:
Cut the ham into 1/2 to 1 cm wide strips. Add the sauce to the rigatoni and heat through. Mix the ground beef with the sauce and stir in the ham strips. Heat briefly to allow the flavors to blend. - Assemble the casserole:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pour the pasta mixture into a large baking dish or divide evenly among four small ovenproof dishes. Cut the mozzarella into pieces and sprinkle over the rigatoni along with the grated Edam and Parmesan cheese. Bake on the middle rack until the cheese is golden brown.
Tips & Variations:
- Adaptations: You can vary the recipe as you like, for example by adding chopped vegetables such as peppers or zucchini.
- Using leftovers: Leftover portions can be easily stored in the refrigerator and reheated the next day.
- Seasonal adjustments: In spring, fresh spinach goes well with this dish, while in autumn, roasted pumpkin pieces make a delicious addition.
Serving suggestion:
Present the Rigatoni al Forno in a beautiful casserole dish, straight from the oven, on the dining table. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with a simple green salad and crusty Italian bread. A glass of red wine or a cool glass of water with a squeeze of lemon completes the meal perfectly.
Conclusion:
Rigatoni al Forno is a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that delights both children and adults. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can conjure up a delicious meal in no time that will make any day special. Using high-quality cooking utensils can make all the difference: "Cocotte Ruby" pots are ideal for simmering the sauce evenly and perfectly developing the flavors. For baking the rigatoni, we recommend a sturdy casserole dish from Springlane, which ensures even heat distribution and gives the rigatoni a perfect, golden-brown crust. Gratinating the rigatoni with cheese and topping it with Parmesan cheese are the final steps that give this dish its irresistible flavor.
Try this recipe and be amazed by the simplicity and great taste of this classic Italian dish.
Have fun cooking and buon appetito!
