Authentic Italian Rigatoni Bolognese: A Flavorful Feast
Imagine sinking your fork into tender rigatoni, coated in a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce—a symphony of savory flavors dancing on your palate. This isn’t just pasta; it’s an experience. This authentic Italian Rigatoni Bolognese recipe transports you to the heart of Italy, promising a comforting and intensely flavorful meal that will leave you craving more. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this surprisingly easy-to-make masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples and fresh ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Classic Taste: A true representation of the traditional Bolognese sauce, perfected over time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to impress family and friends with its rich and satisfying taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato puree
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make It
Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Pour in red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add the cooked pasta to the Bolognese sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it.
Serve:
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (optional).
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- For a deeper flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- For a smoother sauce, blend a portion of the sauce with an immersion blender before serving.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Rigatoni Bolognese as a main course. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the sauce perfectly. A crisp Chianti wine pairs beautifully with this classic dish.
Storage, Freezing, & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow the sauce to cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Closing Thoughts + Call to Action
This authentic Rigatoni Bolognese recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into a culinary masterpiece. We hope you enjoy this delicious and comforting dish as much as we do! Don’t forget to leave a rating and review below, and share your culinary creations on Pinterest and Instagram! Looking for more pasta inspiration? Check out our other pasta recipes on our website!
Recipe FAQs ❓
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! This sauce is delicious with various pasta shapes, such as penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti.
How long can I keep the Bolognese sauce in the refrigerator?
The Bolognese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Rigatoni Bolognese
Equipment
- saucepan
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1. Combine the water, yeast and sugar in a bowl. Rest for 5 minutes.
- 2. Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt.
- 3. Add the yeast mixture and knead until you get a soft ball.
- 4. Place in a bowl and cover. Let rise for 30 minutes.
- 5. Divide the dough and form pizzas.
- 6. Top the pizzas with sauce and vegetables, cook for 15 minutes on the pizza stone.
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Pizza
- Cuisine: Italian
- Servings: 2 pizzas
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Ingredients:
- Pizza Dough
- - 1 cup water lukewarm
- - 2 cups all purpose flour
- - 1 tsp instant yeast
- - 1 tsp salt
- - 1 tbsp sugar
- Pizza Toppings
- - red sauce
- - 1/4 red onion
- - 1/4 green pepper
- - 1/4 red pepper
- - rosemary
- Instructions:
- 1. Combine the water, yeast and sugar in a bowl. Rest for 5 minutes.
- 2. Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt.
- 3. Add the yeast mixture and knead until you get a soft ball.
- 4. Place in a bowl and cover. Let rise for 30 minutes.
- 5. Divide the dough and form pizzas.
- 6. Top the pizzas with sauce and vegetables, cook for 15 minutes on the pizza stone.
- Notes:
- Feel free to swap any of the topping in the ingredient list with whatever you have lying around! It will probably taste just as amazing!
- Nutrition:
- Calories: 482kcal, Carbohydrates: 101g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 1174mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 530IU, Vitamin C: 23mg, Calcium: 119mg, Iron: 5mg