One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese

Introduction

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty meal that comes together with minimal effort, this One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, savory Bolognese sauce paired with satisfying rigatoni pasta, all made in just one pot. No multiple pans to clean up afterward, which is always a win in my book!

I’ve made this dish on more than one busy weeknight, and it’s quickly become one of those go-to recipes that’s easy, filling, and full of flavor. The best part? It’s just as delicious when served to guests as it is for a casual family dinner. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the pasta absorbs all that meaty, tomatoey goodness. It’s simple to make, but it feels so special—exactly the kind of meal you’ll want to savor.

So, whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s easy but still feels comforting or a cozy weekend meal, this One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese will become a family favorite in no time. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese is a showstopper for many reasons:

• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and one pot, you can have a full, flavorful meal ready in under an hour.
• Minimal Cleanup: No need to boil pasta separately—everything cooks together in one pot, making clean-up a breeze.
• Rich Flavor: The Bolognese sauce simmers into the pasta, infusing it with deep, savory flavors that get better as they cook together.
• Hearty and Filling: Rigatoni and the meat sauce make for a satisfying, comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbohydrates: 50g, Fat: 18g, Fiber: 3g

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork for richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 cup red wine (optional but adds depth to the flavor)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Veggies

• Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Brown the Meat

• Add Ground Meat: Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork). Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir everything together once the meat is fully cooked.

3. Season the Sauce

• Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for another minute to bring out the flavors.

4. Deglaze and Simmer

• Add Wine: Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol and reduce slightly.
• Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Cook the Pasta

• Add the Rigatoni: Stir in the uncooked rigatoni. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a bit more broth or water to ensure the pasta is mostly covered.
• Simmer: Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a little extra water or broth.

6. Finish and Serve

• Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese if desired.

How to Serve

This One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even better:

1. Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
2. Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is always a hit with pasta dishes—perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or broccoli for a healthy side dish.

Additional Tips

• Customize the Meat: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. You can also mix in a bit of pork for more flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use them in place of the dried oregano and thyme. Fresh basil would also be amazing sprinkled on top before serving.
• Make it Ahead: This dish stores and reheats well. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge for an easy meal later.

Recipe Variations

Looking to mix it up? Here are a few variations to try:

1. Vegetarian Bolognese: Replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based version of this dish.
2. Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra vegetables and color.
3. Creamy Bolognese: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end for a creamier sauce.

Freezing and Storage

This dish freezes beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat:

• Storage: Store leftover One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A big, sturdy pot to cook everything in one go.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and breaking up the meat.
• Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but always better fresh).

FAQ Section

Have a few questions before making this One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese? No worries! Here are some common questions and helpful answers to guide you through the process.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  Yes! You can swap out the rigatoni for any other pasta you prefer, like penne, ziti, or even fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
  Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version of the dish. The flavor will be milder compared to beef, but it will still be delicious. For extra flavor, you can add a bit of olive oil or a splash of soy sauce.
• Can I double the recipe?
  Yes, you can double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers. Just make sure to use a larger pot and adjust the amount of broth or water to ensure the pasta is fully covered while cooking.
• Is the red wine necessary for the recipe?
  While the red wine adds a rich depth of flavor to the sauce, you can leave it out if you prefer. Instead, add a little extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar to keep the flavor balanced.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?
  Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a combination of both. It’ll still have that hearty, satisfying feel.
• Can I freeze One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese?
  Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

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Conclusion

One-Pot Rigatoni Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food with a twist! This recipe is not only bursting with rich, savory flavors but also incredibly easy to make—perfect for those days when you want a delicious meal without all the fuss. The best part? Minimal cleanup! By cooking everything in just one pot, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.

The hearty bolognese sauce, with its deep, meaty richness, pairs perfectly with the thick rigatoni, soaking up all that flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or simply craving something warm and comforting, this dish is guaranteed to please.

So grab your ingredients, let the flavors come together, and savor each bite of this amazing meal. And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy every moment of this tasty, one-pot wonder!