Hearty Rigatoni with Meat Sauce Recipe

 Hearty Rigatoni with Meat Sauce Recipe

Hearty Rigatoni with Meat Sauce Recipe
Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 45 min

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) rigatoni pasta

• Water (enough to boil the pasta)

• Salt (for the pasta water)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 (28 oz or 800 g) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Boil the Rigatoni

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the rigatoni pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, typically around 10–12 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.

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2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent burning.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

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3. Cook the Meat

Add the ground beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it browns. Cook until there’s no more pink visible, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, depending on how fatty your meat is.

Season the meat with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, basil, and thyme. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the meat.

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4. Build the Sauce

Once the meat is fully cooked and seasoned, stir in the tomato paste. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to caramelize slightly and deepen the flavor.

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine everything. Add the sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken.

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5. Finish the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in chopped parsley and fresh basil for a burst of freshness.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water — start with a few tablespoons and increase as needed to reach the desired consistency.

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6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained rigatoni pasta to the meat sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently mix everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the rich sauce.

Let the pasta sit in the sauce over low heat for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can soak into the pasta. If necessary, add a splash more pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly.

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7. Serve

Transfer the saucy rigatoni to individual bowls or a large serving platter. Top with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Serve immediately with crusty garlic bread or a green salad on the side.

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Tips and Variations

• Meat Options: You can use a mix of ground beef and pork for a more complex flavor. Ground turkey or chicken also work if you want a lighter version.

• Cheese Lovers: Add shredded mozzarella or ricotta to the pasta before serving for a cheesy twist.

• Make Ahead: This dish is excellent for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like heat.

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative.

• More Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for a nutritional boost.

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Nutrition Estimate (per serving)

• Calories: ~550 kcal

• Protein: ~30 g

• Fat: ~22 g

• Carbohydrates: ~60 g

• Fiber: ~5 g

• Sugar: ~6 g

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Story Behind the Dish

Rigatoni with meat sauce is a comforting, family-style Italian dish that’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Rigatoni’s ridges and tubular shape make it perfect for catching the thick, savory sauce. This dish is often served during weeknight dinners or Sunday lunches in many homes. It’s a meal that brings people together around the table — simple, hearty, and full of love.

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Final Thoughts

This rigatoni with meat sauce recipe is a classic that never fails to satisfy. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. With just a few pantry staples and about 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Enjoy every bite — buon appetito!