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Rigatoni with Meat Sauce

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A hearty and comforting rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich, savory meat sauce simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Italian herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add reserved pasta water to adjust thickness if needed.
  8. Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce until well coated.
  9. Serve topped with Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

  • Simmer sauce longer for deeper flavor.
  • Use half beef, half sausage for richer taste.
  • Add a splash of red wine while browning meat for extra depth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/rigatoni-with-meat-sauce/