Baked Rigatoni with Beef, Mushrooms & Olives

(Image Copyright Wylddane Productions, LLC)

Baked Rigatoni with Beef, Mushrooms & Olives

This cozy, hearty casserole is perfect for cold days and makes a delicious, comforting meal. It's filled with tender pasta, savory ground beef, zesty olives, and melty cheese. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
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Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked rigatoni
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 3 to 3.5 cups  of your favorite pasta sauce/Italian gravy (Ragu, Prego, Muir Glen, etc.)*  **
• 1 (3.8 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained
• 1/2 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray to make sure everything comes out nice and easy later.
2. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
3. Brown the Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they soften and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked beef mixture to the pasta pot. Toss in the drained olives and your pasta sauce (4 to 4.5 cups, depending on your preference). Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Cheese It Up: Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Stir again to melt the cheese into the mixture, making it rich and creamy.
6. Transfer & Top: Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Now it’s ready for the oven!
7. Bake It: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the center reaches 165°F. Then, uncover the dish and bake for another 10 minutes to get that golden, bubbly cheese on top.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Then dive in and enjoy your warm, cheesy, comforting baked rigatoni!

Makes 8 delicious servings.
*  I like to add 1 tablespoon of sugar to my pasta sauce...this is optional.
**  I ended up using 4 cups because I like it "saucier".