Cooking with the Family, for Your Family

RECIPES

A Taste of Italy, Cooked for the Ones You Love

Baked Rigatoni alla Carne

For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Meat (Choose your mix – about 1.5 to 2 lbs total):
- Meatballs (pre-cooked or raw)
- Italian sausage (cut into chunks or removed from casing)
- Short ribs, pork shoulder chunks, or beef chuck
   (Choose 2–3 types for flavor and texture)
For the Pasta Bake:
- 1 lb pasta (rigatoni, ziti, or penne work well)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

For the Ravioli:

12–16 Gorgonzola, pear & ricotta-stuffed ravioli (store-bought or homemade) (Look for fresh stuffed ravioli at gourmet stores or Italian markets)
Salt, for boiling water

Cooking Instructions

Start the Sauce (Total simmering time: 4–5 hours)
- In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onions for 5 minutes, until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add whole peeled tomatoes, crushing them by hand or with a spoon.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add the Meat (Final 30–45 min of sauce cooking)
- About 30 minutes before the sauce is done, add your meat mix directly to the sauce.
- Let simmer until the meats are tender and cooked through. (If using raw meatballs or sausage, you may want to brown them first in a separate pan.)
Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions).
- Drain and set aside.
Assemble and Bake (Baking time: 15–20 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine pasta and plenty of the meat sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan if using.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a green salad.