Description
Trying to gain healthy weight or build muscle? These high-carb, high-protein meals helped me gain 10 lbs naturally—and they actually taste amazing! Perfect for lean bulking, post-workout recovery, or anyone needing more fuel in their day. These easy, balanced recipes are great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—no complicated ingredients, just real food that gets results
Recipes:
Cheesy Baked Beef Rigatoni
A hearty, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish packed with rich meat sauce and melty mozzarella—this baked rigatoni is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup beef broth or water
For the Cheese Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes & Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour in broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
Assemble & Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the pasta with the meat sauce and transfer to a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy cheese topping.
Serve & Enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in! Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Pro Tip: Add ricotta cheese between layers for a creamier texture!
