Beefy Rigatoni

Thaw contents.

Oven: 

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F. 

2. Generously grease the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with the butter.   

Option 1 (lazy way): 

1. Spread the pasta in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared dish.

2. Scatter the ground beef over the top by breaking into pieces and dolloping onto the pasta. 

3. Dollop the ricotta. 

4. Pour the marinara mixture over top. 

5. Cover with aluminum and bake until the pasta is al dente, about 50 minutes.  

6. Uncover and sprinkle the mozzarella on top. 

7. Bake until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly (about 10 minutes). 

Option 2 (layered):

1. Spread half the pasta in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared dish. 

2. Scatter half of the beef over the top by breaking into pieces and dolloping onto the pasta. 

3. Dollop with half of the ricotta. 

4. Pour half of the marinara mixture over top. 

5. Repeat with a second layer.  

6. Cover with aluminum and bake until the pasta is al dente (about 50 minutes). 

7. Uncover and sprinkle the mozzarella on top. Bake until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly (about 10 minutes).