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The Easiest Rigatoni Bolognese

The Easiest Rigatoni Bolognese

Make the easiest Rigatoni Bolognese with rich meat sauce, tender pasta, tomatoes, and Parmesan. A hearty Italian-inspired dinner ready in about one hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: 640
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Bolognese Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 carrots finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar optional
  • For the Pasta
  • 1 pound rigatoni
  • Salt for pasta water
  • For Serving
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  5. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
  7. Add the Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar if using.
  8. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente according to the package directions.
  10. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  11. Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  12. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Use quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Simmer longer for a richer sauce.
  • Don't overcook the pasta.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Fresh Parmesan makes a noticeable difference.