Rigatoni Bolognese

A Hearty Italian Classic That’s Rich, Comforting, and Full of Flavor

If you love cozy, homemade pasta dishes, this Rigatoni Bolognese is exactly what you need. It’s a comforting combination of tender pasta, a thick and flavorful meat sauce, and plenty of aromatic herbs — the kind of meal that fills your home with warmth and your plate with satisfaction.

Made with ground beef, garlic, and a rich tomato base simmered slowly to perfection, this dish brings the essence of Italian home cooking right to your table. The rigatoni’s ridges catch every bit of the meaty sauce, ensuring each forkful is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, finely grated
1 celery stalk, finely chopped (optional but adds depth)
500 g (1 lb) ground beef
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can (400 g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce or passata
½ teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
½ cup (120 ml) beef broth or water
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

400 g (14 oz) rigatoni pasta
Water and salt for boiling
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and dried basil.

Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop its flavor. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, and beef broth. Mix everything well, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer for Flavor
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows it to thicken and the flavors to deepen beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Rigatoni
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small cup of pasta water.

Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta directly to the Bolognese sauce. Toss well to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Let everything cook together for 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavor.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Rigatoni Bolognese

Use fresh herbs if you can — basil and parsley bring a fresh, fragrant finish.
Don’t rush the simmering time. The longer the sauce cooks, the richer and deeper the flavor becomes.
Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that’s just as flavorful.
Make it ahead! The Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or when you simply want a big comforting bowl of pasta after a long day.