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Meat Sauce Rigatoni

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A hearty Italian pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni tossed in a rich, savory tomato and meat sauce made with ground beef, garlic, and herbs. Simple to prepare, comforting, and full of classic flavor — perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1½ tsp Italian seasoning (or dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors deepen.
  7. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
  8. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Use 80–85% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and richness.
  • Add a splash of red wine after browning meat for a deeper, robust flavor.
  • To make it creamy, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta before serving.
  • For vegetarian version, replace meat with lentils, chopped mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles.
  • Sauce can be made ahead — flavor improves after resting overnight.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/meat-sauce-rigatoni/