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Rigatoni Bolognese Recipe

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4.1 from 58 reviews

Rigatoni Bolognese is a classic Italian main course featuring rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich, hearty meat sauce made from ground beef simmered with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. This comforting dish is finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, delivering authentic flavors perfect for a satisfying family meal.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the meat and vegetables.
  3. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through.
  4. Sauté Onion: Stir in the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
  5. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  6. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper thoroughly.
  7. Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
  8. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the bolognese sauce.
  9. Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for added richness and flavor.

Notes

  • For extra richness, add a splash of cream or red wine to the sauce while simmering.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a different variation.
  • Fresh basil or parsley can be added on top for a fresh herb garnish.
  • Use gluten-free rigatoni for a gluten-free version of this dish.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian