Rigatoni Bolognese is a meaty, saucy pasta dinner prepared with ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and plenty of fresh basil, giving the homemade sauce a ton of flavor.
Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add the onions to the hot oil and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir frequently.
Add celery and carrots; cook for 5 more minutes. Add more oil, if needed. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef; cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently to break up the beef.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, parsley, and basil; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook for 25 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Taste for salt and pepper; adjust accordingly.
Spoon the bolognese sauce over the cooked and drained rigatoni. Top with grated pecorino romano and parsley.
Pasta: Rigatoni is a tube-shaped pasta with ridges along the outside, which helps it cling to the bolognese pasta sauce. You can also use Penne pasta. Generally, heartier sauces are served with wider, bigger noodles, and noodles like fettuccine or linguine are best paired with cream sauces.
Fresh is Best: Use fresh herbs when possible for a more vibrant flavor. Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can make a noticeable difference.
Ground Beef: I love my bolognese prepared with ground beef, but it's also really good with ground turkey or even Italian Sausage.
Low and Slow: Let the bolognese sauce simmer gently. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, enhancing the taste.
Adjust Accordingly: Always taste your sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning. It’s the best way to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
Cheese: Opt for high-quality parmesan or pecorino cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and offers a superior flavor.
Add Dairy: For a creamy version, add a small amount of heavy cream to the meat sauce while cooking.
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bolognese, dinner ideas, pasta dinner, rigatoni bolognese