Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Rigatoni with Meat Sauce, a hearty Italian-inspired dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This recipe features tender rigatoni pasta coated in a rich and savory meat sauce made with ground beef, aromatic garlic, and onions, simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a medley of Italian herbs like oregano and basil. A touch of sugar balances the acidity, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick. Topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and vibrant basil, this dish is a symphony of flavors that feels satisfying yet simple to make. Ready in just an hour and serving up to four, this one-pot classic is an ideal choice for a cozy, homemade meal. Perfect for keyword searches including "easy pasta dinner," "meat sauce recipe," and "Italian rigatoni."

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 500 grams ground beef
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 100 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Boil a large pot of salted water for the rigatoni. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat, if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add a cup of water and bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 7

Stir the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated with the meat sauce. Heat through for about 2 minutes.

Step 8

Serve the rigatoni topped with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2238.1 grams (2238.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2861

Total Fat 165.70g	212%
Saturated Fat 65.00g	325%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 445mg	148%
Sodium 5451mg	237%
Total Carbohydrate 195.70g	71%
Dietary Fiber 25.00g	89%
Total Sugars 50.60g
Protein 161.00g	322%

Vitamin D 31IU	155%
Calcium 1505mg	116%
Iron 24mg	132%
Potassium 4326mg	92%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.1%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 26.8%