Rigatoni with meat sauce is a comforting, satisfying Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its ridged, tube-shaped pasta and thick, flavorful meat sauce, this dish provides the ideal combination of textures and rich flavors. The meat sauce clings beautifully to the rigatoni, making each bite a delicious experience.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why Rigatoni?
Rigatoni is an excellent choice for hearty sauces because of its size and texture. The ridges and wide tubes of rigatoni allow the meat sauce to adhere to the pasta, ensuring each bite is coated with savory goodness. Plus, the large surface area means more room for flavor!
Ingredients:
For this classic rigatoni with meat sauce recipe, you’ll need:
1 lb. rigatoni pasta
1 lb. ground beef (you can substitute with ground turkey or pork)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
½ cup beef broth (or red wine for extra richness)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning mix)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 10–12 minutes for an al dente texture.
Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water to help loosen the sauce if necessary.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Ground Meat:
Add the ground beef (or preferred meat) to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook the meat until it’s fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
4. Add the Tomatoes:
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth (or red wine) to the pan, stirring to combine. If using sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add it now.
5. Season the Sauce:
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, and thyme (or Italian seasoning). Stir to incorporate the herbs into the sauce.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will thicken the sauce and concentrate the flavors.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce.
Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
7. Serve:
Plate the rigatoni with meat sauce and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Rigatoni with Meat Sauce:
Simmer the sauce longer for deeper flavor: While 20–25 minutes is sufficient for a flavorful sauce, allowing it to simmer for an hour or more will result in a richer, more complex taste.
Use high-quality tomatoes: Opt for canned tomatoes labeled “San Marzano” or “Roma” for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.
Customize your meat sauce: You can add a variety of meats, such as Italian sausage, veal, or a combination of beef and pork, to create a bolder, more complex sauce.
Finish with fresh herbs: While dried herbs work well for the simmering process, finishing with fresh basil or parsley just before serving will brighten the dish and add a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Final Thoughts
Rigatoni with meat sauce is a timeless and hearty dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table. Its combination of tender pasta, robust meat sauce, and aromatic herbs makes it a family favorite. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete Italian meal that will satisfy even the hungriest appetites!
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