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Rigatoni Bolognese

  • Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
  • Total Time: 45 minute
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying — this Rigatoni Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food for any day of the week. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner idea, searching for an easy recipe to impress guests, or just need delicious food ideas for meal prep, this dish checks all the boxes. With tender rigatoni noodles cradling a robust meat sauce that’s slow-simmered to perfection, every bite delivers warmth and flavor. It’s a classic Italian meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare.

This easy dinner recipe makes use of everyday ingredients, and yet the result is something truly magical. The sauce is rich with tomatoes, savory ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of red wine, offering depth and complexity. Perfect for family gatherings, casual nights in, or even your next round of hearty, healthy-ish lunch prep.

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) rigatoni pasta

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, finely diced

1 celery stalk, finely diced

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork)

1/4 cup red wine (optional)

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened (5–7 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Deglaze the pan with red wine (if using), simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and chili flakes. Simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes or longer for deeper flavor.
  5. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
  6. Toss pasta with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
  7. Serve hot with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan on top.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35–60 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

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Find it online: https://chefalchemy.com/rigatoni-bolognese/