Easiest Rigatoni Bolognese: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Italian Comfort Food

Easiest Rigatoni Bolognese is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. This comforting pasta recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with a savory meat sauce that has been cherished for generations. Originating from the Emilia-Romagna region, Bolognese sauce, or ragù alla Bolognese, has a long-standing history, often served with tagliatelle, but rigatoni offers a perfect alternative with its ridged surface that captures every bit of the delicious sauce.

People adore Easiest Rigatoni Bolognese for its incredible taste and satisfying texture. The combination of tender pasta and a hearty, flavorful sauce creates a meal that is both comforting and indulgent. Additionally, this recipe is incredibly convenient, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a dish that will impress your loved ones and leave them asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 pound (450g) ground pork
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
2. Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. These vegetables will form the base of your Bolognese sauce, known as soffritto.
3. Measure out the ground beef and ground pork, and set them aside in a bowl.
4. Open the can of crushed tomatoes and the beef broth, and have them ready for use.
5. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside for later use.

Cooking the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the rigatoni pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
4. Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rigatoni in a colander. Set aside.

Preparing the Bolognese Sauce

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
5. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine with the meat and vegetables.
7. Pour in the beef broth and add the dried oregano and dried basil. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
8. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
9. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Finishing the Sauce

1. After the sauce has simmered, stir in the whole milk. This will add creaminess and richness to the Bolognese.
2. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes after adding the milk, stirring occasionally.
3. Check the seasoning again and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

1. Once the sauce is ready, add the drained rigatoni directly into the skillet with the Bolognese sauce.
2. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring that all the rigatoni

Conclusion:

In summary, this Easiest Rigatoni Bolognese is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The rich, hearty sauce, combined with the perfectly cooked rigatoni, creates a comforting dish that is sure to please both family and friends. Whether you choose to serve it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a side of garlic bread, or a crisp green salad, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Feel free to experiment with variations by adding vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or even swapping out the rigatoni for your favorite pasta shape. You can also make it a bit spicier by incorporating red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine for added depth. We encourage you to try this Easiest Rigatoni Bolognese recipe and share your experience with us! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, we’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to share your photos and tips on social media, and let’s spread the joy of cooking together!

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