Name: Rigatoni Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp salt, divided; 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 1/2 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild, casings removed); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 28 oz can whole tomatoes (chopped in the can with scissors); 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 3/4 cup red wine; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1.5 pounds rigatoni pasta (cooked according to package instructions); Parmesan cheese, for serving; fresh basil, for garnish

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Introduction

Rigatoni Bolognese is a hearty Italian classic perfect for a comforting meal. This rich meat sauce combined with tender rigatoni pasta makes for a satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.

The image shows a close-up of a blue pot filled with rigatoni pasta mixed with a rich red tomato sauce, ground meat, and small pieces of carrots. The pasta is coated evenly with sauce, giving the rigatoni a shiny, slightly textured look. The dish is topped with thin strips of fresh green basil scattered throughout, adding a pop of color. The inside rim of the pot has some sauce stains, and a wooden spoon is partially visible on the right side, resting inside the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp salt, divided
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1/2 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild), casings removed
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 28 oz can whole tomatoes, chopped in the can
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
3/4 cup red wine
1 bell pepper, diced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1.5 pounds rigatoni pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Add ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt.
Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and pour in the red wine. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the tomato paste to coat the meat evenly.
Step 4: Add the chopped whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, diced bell pepper, Italian seasoning, and the remaining teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or a pinch of sugar if needed to balance acidity.
Step 6: While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 7: Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked rigatoni. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of meats like beef, pork, and sausage for a richer flavor.
For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Substitute red wine with beef broth if preferred.
Add a splash of cream at the end for a creamier texture.
Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can enhance the flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick. The cooked rigatoni is best stored separately to avoid clumping.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a pan filled with rigatoni pasta coated in a rich red meat sauce, with visible ground meat pieces and small diced carrots mixed throughout. The rigatoni is cooked and lightly textured with ridges, evenly covered by the sauce. Fresh green basil strips are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color contrast. The inside walls of the light blue pan have sauce stains, showing it was cooked directly in it. A wooden spoon with some orange sauce residue rests partially inside. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, Bolognese sauce often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance and refrigerate, then reheat before serving.

What pasta works best with Bolognese?

Rigatoni is ideal because its ridges and large tubes hold the meat sauce well, but other sturdy pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine also work great.