MEATBALL RIGATONI ALFREDO

Meatball Rigatoni Alfredo image

My kids love meatballs with rigatoni or spaghetti. The baked cheese sauce in this recipe just takes it over the top!-Jennifer Ross, Clinton, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h35m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 22

Ingredients

1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4-1/2 teaspoons each minced fresh thyme, oregano and basil or 1-1/2 teaspoons each dried thyme, oregano and basil
1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup dry red wine or beef broth
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
12 ounces uncooked rigatoni or large tube pasta
ALFREDO TOPPING:
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine egg, bread crumbs, water, cheese and seasonings. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. In a Dutch oven, brown meatballs in oil in batches; remove and keep warm. , Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. In drippings, saute onion until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add wine; cook and stir 3 minutes., Return meatballs to pan; stir in tomatoes and parsley. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 25-30 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. Cook rigatoni according to package directions. , In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese., Drain rigatoni; place in a large bowl. Add meatballs and sauce; stir to coat. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Top with Alfredo sauce; sprinkle with thyme, oregano and remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 849 calories, Fat 41g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 196mg cholesterol, Sodium 1027mg sodium, Carbohydrate 69g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 47g protein.