Rigatoni with Homemade Meat Sauce

The heart of any great dish lies in its ingredients. A closer look at what makes this Rigatoni Delight so special reveals the importance of quality and freshness in each component. By choosing the best ingredients and understanding their roles in the dish, you can elevate your cooking and ensure that every bite is full of flavor.

Rigatoni with Homemade Meat Sauce

Discover the joy of Italian cooking with our Rigatoni Delight featuring a hearty homemade meat sauce. This comforting classic is loaded with rich flavors from fresh ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Learn the secrets of sautéing, simmering, and creating the perfect pasta texture for an unforgettable meal. Elevate your dinner game today! #PastaRecipe #ItalianCuisine #ComfortFood #HomeCooking #RigatoniDelight #MeatSauce #Foodie

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, finely diced

1 celery stalk, finely diced

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

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Rigatoni:

12 oz rigatoni pasta

Water (for boiling)

Salt (for boiling water)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together.

Cook the Rigatoni:

- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

- Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.

- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rigatoni and set aside.

Combine and Serve:

- Add the drained rigatoni to the meat sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

- Serve the rigatoni warm, garnished with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4