Rigatoni With Meat Sauce
Rigatoni with Meat Sauce offers a hearty, flavorful pasta experience with rich tomato and seasoned meat sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, its savory profile and comforting texture make it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy classic Italian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, quartered ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 small celery stalk, chopped ⓘ
- 4 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped ⓘ
- pinch of oregano
- 6 leaves fresh basil, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1/3 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 can (28 oz.) Italian type tomatoes ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 pound rigatoni ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Saute chopped onion, quartered garlic, chopped carrot, and chopped celery until golden brown.
- Add chopped parsley, oregano, basil, and ground beef; stir and cook until the meat is browned.
- Pour in dry red wine and cook until it evaporates quickly.
- Add canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper; simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare rigatoni pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Place cooked rigatoni in a warm bowl, pour the meat sauce over it, and add grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss to mix and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your meat sauce, consider adding a bay leaf while it simmers. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for the beef. You can also use crushed tomatoes instead of whole canned tomatoes for a smoother sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme can be a nice addition as well, complementing Italian recipes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rigatoni with meat sauce alongside a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of dry red wine pairs exceptionally well with this dish, enhancing the rich flavors. For added texture, consider topping with toasted pine nuts or serving with a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it, covered, in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rigatoni With Meat Sauce contains roughly 898 calories, with 58g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (193% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (181% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2592mg per serving (113% 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 make the meat sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce a day in advance. Just cool it completely before refrigerating. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when reheated.
What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?
For the best flavor and texture, use ground beef that is 80% lean. This provides enough fat for richness without being too greasy, ensuring a well-balanced sauce.
Can I freeze the meat sauce?
Absolutely! The meat sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).