Rigatoni And Meat Sauce
A hearty Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring flavorful meat sauce with robust seasonings, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, served with grated Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, cut up (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp. Durkee Best Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 (1 lb.) pkg. Creamettes rigatoni (uncooked) ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, combine ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Cook until the ground beef is no longer pink; drain if necessary.
- Stir in the can of whole tomatoes (cut up), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and crushed red pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare rigatoni according to package directions; drain.
- Serve the meat sauce over the cooked rigatoni.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce as it simmers. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can substitute for the beef. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the taste if you have them on hand. Don't forget to taste and adjust seasoning to your preference, especially if you're using canned tomatoes with salt.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve with roasted vegetables or a light antipasto platter. A glass of red wine complements the flavors well. If you’re in the mood for something different, try making Spaghetti With Meatballs as an alternative.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rigatoni And Meat Sauce contains roughly 186 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1664mg per serving (72% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for holding the meat sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions to ensure perfect texture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or finely chopped mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based sauces for added flavor, and feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce.
What cheese can I use if I don't have Parmesan?
If Parmesan isn't available, Pecorino Romano works well as a substitute due to its similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a different taste. Just remember to sprinkle it on top before serving for that delicious cheesy finish!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).