Rigatoni Bolognese: A Hearty Italian Classic

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Rigatoni Bolognese is a rich and comforting Italian dish that’s perfect for satisfying your hunger on a cozy evening. The thick, tube-shaped pasta holds the rich and savory meat sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The slow-cooked Bolognese sauce blends tender ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato base, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.

Whether you’re preparing this for a special family dinner or a casual weekday meal, Rigatoni Bolognese delivers a perfect balance of hearty textures and robust flavors. Topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.

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Ingredients for Rigatoni Bolognese

• 1 lb (450g) rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, set it aside, and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Prepare the Bolognese Sauce

In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease if needed.

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Step 3: Build the Flavor

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

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Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld, and the sauce will thicken beautifully.

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Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once the sauce has finished cooking, add the drained rigatoni to the pan. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the rich Bolognese sauce.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

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Storage Instructions

To store leftover Rigatoni Bolognese, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce’s rich texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: ~28g
• Carbohydrates: ~65g
• Fat: ~18g
• Fiber: ~6g
• Sugar: ~10g
• Sodium: ~800mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while rigatoni holds the sauce well, you can substitute with penne, ziti, or even spaghetti for a different texture.

2. Is the red wine necessary?

No, but it adds a rich depth to the sauce. If you’d prefer to skip it, simply add more beef broth instead.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or lentils for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

4. How do I thicken my Bolognese sauce?

Letting the sauce simmer longer allows it to naturally thicken. If needed, you can stir in a spoonful of tomato paste to boost the texture.

5. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day. Prepare it ahead and refrigerate; reheat before combining with freshly cooked pasta.

6. What cheese works best for this dish?

Parmesan is a classic choice, but Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano also add fantastic flavor.

7. How can I add more flavor to my sauce?

Try adding a bay leaf, a pinch of chili flakes for heat, or fresh basil during the final minutes of cooking.

8. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a rich and flavorful result.

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