Description
This Beef Rigatoni Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed dish made with tender rigatoni noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe delivers comfort and bold Italian-American flavors in every bite. Easy to make and customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients
1 pound (450g) rigatoni pasta
Water for boiling
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
For the Meat Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
½ cup beef broth (or water)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
For Finishing:
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
ook rigatoni until al dente; set aside.
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
Brown ground beef and season.
Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and sugar.
Simmer sauce for 20 minutes.
Combine sauce with pasta.
Stir in cheese and garnish.
Notes
Pasta Doneness: Cook the rigatoni until just al dente since it will continue to absorb the sauce when mixed in.
Sauce Thickness: If your sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of reserved pasta water or beef broth to loosen it.
Cheese Options: For extra richness, stir in a dollop of ricotta or a splash of cream before serving.
Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat, or omit for a milder dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg