Looking for a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare?

This Easy Italian Manicotti Casserole is a perfect choice.

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Combining the rich flavors of ground beef, Italian sausage, and gooey mozzarella cheese with the satisfying bite of rigatoni pasta, this casserole is both delicious and simple.

Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite at your table.

Enjoy the classic taste of Italy in a no-fuss, one-dish meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 (8-ounce) can mushrooms, drained
• 2 (32-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
• 1 ½ pounds shredded mozzarella cheese
• Thinly sliced pepperoni

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
• Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (firm but cooked). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Brown the Meats

• While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet.
• Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
• Once fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat into a large baking dish.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Add the drained mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, and cooked rigatoni pasta to the baking dish.
• Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Pepperoni

• Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture.
• Arrange the thinly sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Enjoy your delicious and easy Italian manicotti casserole!

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.

What can I use if I don’t have rigatoni pasta?

If you don’t have rigatoni, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or even macaroni. Just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as this will help it hold up well during baking.

Easy Manicotti Italian Casserole

An easy-to-make Italian casserole with rigatoni pasta, ground beef, sausage, mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, baked until bubbly and golden.

Print Pin Rate

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• ▢ 1 pound ground beef
• ▢ 1 pound Italian sausage
• ▢ 1 (8-ounce) can mushrooms drained
• ▢ 2 (32-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
• ▢ 1 ½ pounds shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ Thinly sliced pepperoni

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

   Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (firm but cooked).

   Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Brown the Meats

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.

   Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet.

   Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

   Once fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat into a large baking dish.

Combine Ingredients

1. Add the drained mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, and cooked rigatoni pasta to the baking dish.

   Stir everything together until well mixed.

Top with Cheese and Pepperoni

1. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture.

   Arrange the thinly sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.

Bake the Casserole

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

   Enjoy your delicious and easy Italian manicotti casserole!

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