Description
If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace, this Rigatoni Bolognese is just the dish for you. With a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce that clings to every ridge of the rigatoni, it’s packed with deep, savory flavors perfect for dinner ideas, easy recipes, and satisfying comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a great option for meal prep and busy nights.
Ingredients
- Rigatoni Pasta – 16 oz (450g)
- Ground Beef – 1 lb (450g)
- Ground Pork – 1/2 lb (225g)
- Olive Oil – 2 tbsp
- Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
- Carrot – 1 large, finely chopped
- Celery – 2 stalks, finely chopped
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Tomato Paste – 2 tbsp
- Crushed Tomatoes – 28 oz (800g) can
- Beef Broth – 1 cup (240 ml)
- Red Wine – 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Heavy Cream or Milk – 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Parmesan Cheese – For serving
- Fresh Basil or Parsley – For garnish
- Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning – To taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and pork. Cook until browned, about 10-12 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in red wine, scraping the pot’s bottom. Simmer for 5 minutes until mostly reduced.
- Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in heavy cream or milk 15 minutes before the sauce is done.
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Add pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.