Italian Grandma Makes Baked Ziti/Rigatoni (Pasta al Forno)

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and provides a similar texture.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories while provolone can be more affordable.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Pecorino Romano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chopped onion and halved garlic, and sauté until softened.

Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned.

Stir in tomato puree, dried basil, salt, and black pepper; simmer for a few minutes.

Cook rigatoni pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, sweet peas, and boiled eggs.

Layer the mixture in a baking dish, alternating with grated Pecorino Romano and mozzarella cheese.

Cover the dish with foil and bake until heated through and cheese is bubbly.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens