Print

The Ultimate Pasta Pie

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

The Ultimate Pasta Pie is a visually stunning and hearty baked rigatoni dish layered with rich meat sauce and melty cheese. Perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners, it’s a showstopper comfort food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and Italian sausage)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1½ cups shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a springform pan.
  2. Cook rigatoni in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Stand rigatoni upright in the springform pan, packing tightly.
  6. Fill each pasta tube with meat sauce using a spoon or piping bag. Spread remaining sauce on top.
  7. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional ricotta.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  9. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing pan ring. Slice and garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat as a substitute.
  • Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
  • Mix pesto or sun-dried tomato paste into ricotta for added flavor.
  • For a creamier version, add a layer of béchamel under the cheese.
  • Freezes well—slice, wrap, and store for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C).

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/the-ultimate-pasta-pie/