Stuffed Rigatoni

I was surfing Pinterest and saw an adapted Martha Stewart recipe for a stuffed rigatoni from the blog Kosher Eye.  I didn't really follow her recipe, rather winged my own using hers as an inspiration. I think this turned out very well even if it is a little extensive to stuff the rigatoni. My suggestion - keep the onions and bell peppers chopped very small so they easily go into the noodles. (Yes I did turn my ramekin upside down to remove the rigatoni for the picture, not because I needed to but because I wanted you to see the individual stuffed noodles)

Stuffed Rigatoni: Serves 4

8oz Ground Beef (I use 93% Lean)
1 Small Onion - Minced
1 Small Bell Pepper - Minced
1/2tsp Onion Powder
1/2tsp Garlic Powder
8oz Rigatoni
1/2C Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
2.5C Tomato Sauce
1tsp Dried Oregano
1tsp Dried Parsley
1tsp Sugar
1tsp Olive Oil
2oz Reduced Fat Mozzarella Cheese - Shredded (optional)

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Remove from the water once al dente, you do not want the pasta cooked 100% as it will cook more in the oven. Once drained add the olive oil and toss to coat. This stops the pasta from sticking to one another.

While the pasta is cooking place 2C tomato sauce, oregano, parsley, sugar, 1/4tsp onion powder and 1/4tsp garlic powder in a small sauce pot and bring up to a simmer stirring occasionally.

In a large saute pan brown the beef, onion, bell pepper, remaining onion & garlic powder with some salt and pepper over medium heat. Break the beef into very small pieces and once browned drain. Add the remaining 1/2C of sauce with the ricotta cheese and stir to incorporate.

Either in individual ramekins or one casserole dish place a 1C Sauce on the bottom of the dish/dishes and spread it up the sides. Then carefully arrange the pasta on end tightly in the container. Next gently press the meat and cheese mixture into the noodles, then top with the remaining sauce, add the mozzarella to the top if you want to have it. Place in a 375° oven for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy!

__________________________
WW: 9 Points Plus / serving
10 Points Plus / serving w/ Mozzarella