Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Italy with this quick and convenient One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese recipe, perfect for busy weeknights and delightful Sunday dinners alike.
Your Weeknight Comfort Meal ready in under 30 minutes!
This comforting and budget-friendly meal brings together the best of Italian cuisine in a single pot, ready in under 30 minutes!
Say goodbye to lengthy preparation times and hello to an easy make-ahead recipe that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Let’s dive into this culinary journey and discover the magic of One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese.
Why You’ll Love this Quick Rigatoni Bolognese Pasta Recipe
1. One Pot Wonder – The Convenience You Crave:
This One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese is designed to save you time and effort in the kitchen.
With just one pot, you can create a hearty and delicious meal that your family will adore.
2. Weeknight Delights – Quick Dinner Magic:
For those busy weeknights when time is of the essence, this One-Pot dinner comes to the rescue.
In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a soul-soothing comfort meal on the table, leaving you with plenty of quality time to unwind and savor each bite with your loved ones.
3. Sunday Dinner Bliss – A Perfect Weekend Treat:
Don’t reserve the One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese solely for weekdays; it’s also a delightful option for your leisurely Sunday dinners.
The rich flavors and satisfying textures will evoke feelings of warmth and togetherness, making your Sunday meal extra special.
4. Budget-Friendly Bonanza – More Flavor, Less Cost:
With budget meals in mind, this One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese delivers a palate-pleasing experience without breaking the bank.
The simple yet flavorful ingredients come together harmoniously, proving that you can enjoy a taste of Italy without overspending.
5. Meal Prep Marvel – Ready for the Week:
Embrace the art of meal prepping with this make-ahead recipe.
Prepare a larger batch of One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese and portion it out for the week.
Simply reheat and savor this delectable dish whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal during busy weekdays.
What You’ll Need for Rigatoni Bolognese Recipe
(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)
- Rigatoni pasta
- Ground beef (or a combination of beef, pork, and veal)
- Onion
- Celery stalks
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Red wine
- Whole milk
- Tomato paste
- Red pepper flakes
- Bay leaf
- Oregano
- Basil
- Salt and black pepper
- Parmesan cheese
How to Make Rigatoni Bolognese
- Prepare the Aromatics: Finely chop the onion, celery stalks, and carrots. Mince the garlic cloves. Having these ingredients ready will make the cooking process smoother.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables become tender and the onions turn translucent.
- Add the Ground Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or the combination of meats) to the pot. Use a spoon to break up the meat and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through.
- Red Wine Infusion: Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. This step helps to enrich the flavors of the sauce.
- Tomato Base: Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season and Simmer: Add the red pepper flakes, bay leaf, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Creamy Touch: Pour in the whole milk to add a creamy element to the sauce. Stir well to incorporate the milk.
- Let it Simmer: Cover the pot and allow the Bolognese sauce to simmer on low heat for at least 20-30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
- Prepare the Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the Rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta once cooked.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Add the cooked Rigatoni pasta to the Bolognese sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Rigatoni Bolognese hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting pasta meal!
This hearty Italian classic is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Storing and Reheating
To store the One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese:
- Allow it to cool slightly.
- Portion into serving-sized containers.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Label and date each container.
To reheat the stored One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese:
- If refrigerated, remove the container from the fridge.
- Transfer the desired portion to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish.
- On the stovetop, heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
- In the microwave, heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Tips for Meal Prepping One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese:
- Batch Cooking: Prepare a larger quantity of Rigatoni Bolognese to have multiple portions for meal prep throughout the week. Doubling or tripling the recipe ensures you have enough servings to last several days.
- Portion Control: Divide the Bolognese into individual meal-sized portions using meal prep containers. This helps control serving sizes and makes it easier to grab a ready-to-eat meal when needed.
Can Bolognese Sauce be made ahead?
Absolutely! Bolognese sauce is an excellent dish to make ahead of time. Preparing Bolognese in advance allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more flavorful and delicious sauce.
There are several benefits to making Bolognese sauce ahead:
- Enhanced Flavor: Resting allows ingredients to infuse, resulting in a more delicious sauce.
- Time-Saving: Quick assembly for busy weekdays.
- Meal Planning: Portion and freeze for easy, ready-to-eat meals.
- Convenient Leftovers: Versatile for various pasta dishes and more.
- Stress-Free Cooking: Simplifies meal preparation.
Other Pasta Recipes to Try!
Embark on a culinary adventure with Other Pasta Recipes!
The Best Rigatoni Bolognese Recipe
Discover the comforting flavors of our One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese recipe, a quick, easy, and affordable dish perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing family dinners.
Enjoy the rich, hearty Bolognese sauce, conveniently prepared in advance for enhanced flavor, and beautifully paired with al dente Rigatoni pasta.
Great for meal prepping and absolutely satisfying, it's a savory Italian classic that will have your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Rigatoni pasta
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a combination of beef, pork, and veal)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots, and sauté until they become tender and translucent.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the minced garlic. Stir for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef (or a combination of meats) to the pot and break it up using a spoon. Cook the meat until it's browned and cooked through.
4. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let the sauce cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
7. Meanwhile, cook the Rigatoni pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the pot with the Bolognese sauce.
8. Stir the Rigatoni and sauce together, ensuring that the pasta is coated evenly.
9. Pour in the whole milk and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to create a creamy texture.
10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
11. Serve the One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Make Ahead Bolognese Sauce
Bolognese sauce is an excellent dish to make ahead of time. Preparing Bolognese in advance allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more flavorful and delicious sauce.
There are several benefits to making Bolognese sauce ahead:
- Enhanced Flavor: Resting allows ingredients to infuse, resulting in a more delicious sauce.
- Time-Saving: Quick assembly for busy weekdays.
- Meal Planning: Portion and freeze for easy, ready-to-eat meals.
- Convenient Leftovers: Versatile for various pasta dishes and more.
- Stress-Free Cooking: Simplifies meal preparation.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 657Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 139mgSodium 335mgCarbohydrates 40gFiber 4gSugar 6gProtein 49g
