Description
Rigatoni Bolognese is a classic Italian pasta dish. It features a rich, hearty meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and vegetables. The large ridges of rigatoni pasta perfectly hold the savory sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole milk
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- If using, add red wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping the pan. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Lower heat and simmer the sauce uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in milk and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, cook rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add drained rigatoni to the Bolognese sauce. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For added flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
- Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaf can enhance flavor; add them during simmering.
- Pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
- Avoid not browning the meat properly or rushing the simmering process.
- Do not overcook the pasta.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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