Baked Pasta Pie Recipe

Baked Pasta Pie Recipe

**Ingredients:**

– 1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta
– 2 cups (500g) ricotta cheese
– 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
– 1 large egg
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz or 800g) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Olive oil

Instructions:

**1. Cook the Pasta:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

**2. Prepare the Filling:**
1. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and egg until well combined. Set aside.

**3. Cook the Meat Sauce:**
1. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until thickened.

**4. Assemble the Pasta Pie:**
1. Lightly grease a springform pan (about 9 inches or 23 cm in diameter).
2. Stand the cooked rigatoni pasta upright in the pan, tightly packed.
3. Spoon the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, pressing it down gently to fill the pasta holes.
4. Pour the meat sauce over the ricotta layer, spreading it evenly.
5. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

**5. Bake:**
1. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

**6. Serve:**
1. Let the pasta pie cool for a few minutes before removing the springform pan.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve.