Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Name: Rigatoni with Meat Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 500 g ground beef; 1 cup red wine; 800 g canned crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp sugar; Salt and pepper to taste; 500 g rigatoni pasta

60 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Enjoy a hearty bowl of rigatoni with a rich and savoury meat sauce, perfect for any pasta lover.

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Total

60 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Rigatoni with meat sauce, or 'Rigatoni al Ragu di Carne', is a classic Italian-inspired dish that has been embraced by many cultures around the world. The combination of perfectly cooked rigatoni and a rich, hearty meat sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, as it offers a delightful balance of flavours and textures. The rigatoni's ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavour.

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients

Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out the wine and other ingredients.

Cook the aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

Pro tip: Avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.

Brown the beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Deglaze and simmer

Pour in the red wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer until reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.

Add tomatoes and season

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: Allowing the sauce to simmer longer will deepen the flavours.

Cook the pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Pro tip: Reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Serve

Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

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Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality beef for the best flavour.
Cook the pasta until al dente to maintain texture.
Let the sauce simmer to deepen the flavours.
Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook rigatoni?

Cook rigatoni for about 10-12 minutes until al dente.

What is the best way to make meat sauce?

Cook onions and garlic, brown the beef, deglaze with wine, then simmer with tomatoes and seasoning.

Can you freeze pasta with meat sauce?

Yes, you can freeze pasta with meat sauce for up to two months.

What wine is best for meat sauce?

A dry red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, works well for meat sauce.

How much pasta per person for rigatoni?

Typically, 75-100 grams of dry rigatoni per person is sufficient.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your rigatoni with meat sauce hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for added freshness. Pair it with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete meal. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. It also freezes well for up to two months, making it a convenient option for meal prep.