set all ingredients out to be sure you have everything you need for the recipe
chop the garlic and fresh basil and set aside
add one tablespoonful olive oil to the frying pan and brown the meatballs over medium heat. In the meantime, boil water and cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
in a medium saucepan, add another tablespoonful of olive oil and cook garlic for about 2 minutes or until fragrant.
add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, fresh basil, salt, pepper, mint, and Italian seasoning to the saucepan with garlic and stir well. Simmer until noodles are finished cooking.
when noodles are finished cooking, drain and add to a glass baking dish.
add half of the sauce and stir well. Add the meatballs to the noodles. Bake in a pre-heated 325-degree oven for 20 minutes.
remove from oven. Add more sauce if desired, stir and add cheese. Bake for another 20 minutes.
remove from oven and serve.