Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Introduction

Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is a classic Italian-American pasta dish that combines hearty rigatoni pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce made from ground beef, pork, or a combination of meats simmered with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors with a satisfying meaty texture.

What makes this recipe special is the robust, slow-simmered meat sauce that clings to the ridges of rigatoni, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. This is a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or Sunday gatherings, delivering both hearty nutrition and authentic Italian taste.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Rigatoni with Meat Sauce because it’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender pasta and rich, slow-simmered meat sauce makes every bite deeply satisfying. The aroma of garlic, onions, and herbs cooking in tomato sauce fills the kitchen with warmth, creating a meal that feels both luxurious and nostalgic.

This recipe is versatile—you can use a mix of ground meats, adjust seasoning to taste, or add vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers to boost flavor and nutrition. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the dinner table, making it a favorite in my household.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is a must-try because:

• Rich and hearty: The meat sauce delivers robust flavors that satisfy any appetite.
• Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for gatherings.
• Versatile: Can use beef, pork, turkey, or a combination for different flavor profiles.
• Comforting and filling: Ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or special meals.
• Classic Italian-American dish: Brings authentic flavors to your home kitchen.

If you enjoy meaty, flavorful pasta dishes, this is an essential recipe to master.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~700 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• ½ cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Rigatoni:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Meat:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat.
   • Add ground beef and pork, breaking it up with a spoon.
   • Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
   • Remove excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Add onions to the skillet with meat and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
   • Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes and Wine:
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using).
   • Add oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
   • Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in bowls or on plates.
• Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Optionally, drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
• Browning the meat well develops deeper flavor in the sauce.
• Simmering the sauce allows flavors to meld and enhances richness.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if using very tangy tomatoes.

Variations

1. Spicy Meat Sauce: Use hot Italian sausage or increase red pepper flakes.
2. Vegetable Addition: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
3. Turkey or Chicken Version: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
4. Cheesy Baked Rigatoni: Transfer pasta and sauce to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
5. Creamy Twist: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer, velvety sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Meat Sauce: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days; freeze for up to 2–3 months.
• Cooked Pasta with Sauce: Best served fresh; combine reheated sauce with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.
• Reheating: Gently reheat sauce on low, adding a splash of water or cream if too thick.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or saucepan for meat sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater for Parmesan cheese

Conclusion

Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is a classic, hearty, and satisfying pasta dish that combines tender pasta with rich, slow-simmered meat sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions, this dish is versatile, flavorful, and comforting. With its bold flavors, robust texture, and delicious aroma, it is a must-try for anyone who loves authentic Italian-American cuisine.

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Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Author: admin Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 700 calories per serving

Description

Rigatoni with Meat Sauce is a classic Italian-American pasta dish that combines hearty rigatoni pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce made from ground beef, pork, or a combination of meats simmered with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g)
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g)
• ½ lb (225 g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz)
• 1 can (6 oz)
• ½ cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and pork, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add onions to the skillet with meat and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes and Wine: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Add oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Keywords: Rigatoni with Meat Sauce Recipe