Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 3 cups rigatoni pasta
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
– Large skillet
– Pot for boiling pasta
– 9×13 inch baking dish
– Mixing bowl
– Wooden spoon
– Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. First things first, I heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. I like to break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, I toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and release their aromatic goodness, which fills my kitchen with comforting scents. Then, I add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. I let this simmer for about 10-15 minutes, which really allows the flavors to meld together.(See the next page below to continue steps…)