Print

40-Minute Rigatoni Bolognese: A Hearty Comfort Food Masterpiece

Rigatoni Bolognese
Print Recipe

Rigatoni Bolognese is a hearty Italian pasta dish made with ground beef in a rich tomato sauce, tossed with rigatoni pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  6. Simmer uncovered 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy.
  7. Add drained rigatoni to the sauce and toss until fully coated. If needed, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water.
  8. Serve hot with Parmesan on top (optional).

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: easy rigatoni recipe, ground beef pasta, homemade bolognese sauce, Italian dinner idea, family-friendly pasta

Find it online: https://mealcooked.com/rigatoni-bolognese-recipe-easy-italian-pasta-dish/