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rigatoni bolognese

Delicious Rigatoni Bolognese: A Classic Italian Dish

This Rigatoni Bolognese recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Al dente rigatoni is coated in a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce made with ground beef, vegetables, and tomatoes, then simmered to perfection. This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you're craving authentic Italian flavors. Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for an unforgettable meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bolognese Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef 450g
  • 1 cup red wine optional, for flavor
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth 240ml
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup whole milk 240ml
For the Rigatoni:
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta 450g
  • Salt for boiling water
Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Cook the Meat:
  1. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Deglaze and Simmer:
  1. Pour in red wine (if using) and let it reduce for 3–4 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Finish the Sauce:
  1. Stir in whole milk and let the sauce simmer for another 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Cook the Rigatoni:
  1. Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Combine and Serve:
  1. Toss the cooked rigatoni with the Bolognese sauce, adding pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for a more traditional Bolognese.
You can use gluten-free rigatoni for a gluten-free version.
The sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months