Name: Rigatoni with Slow-Cooked Meat Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound rigatoni pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup red wine (optional); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving); Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

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Hearty rigatoni pasta is paired with a slow-simmered meat sauce enriched with tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a satisfying Italian meal perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is comforting, filling, and incredibly flavorful. The ridges of rigatoni perfectly hold onto the rich, meaty sauce, making every bite indulgent and deeply satisfying.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Rigatoni pasta
• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Onion
• Garlic cloves
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Olive oil
• Dried basil and oregano
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper

directions

Begin by sautéing chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add the ground meat and brown thoroughly. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings. Let simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni until al dente. Combine pasta and sauce, toss well, and serve with grated Parmesan.

Servings and timing

Serves 6. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 45 minutes.

Variations

• Use a mix of beef and pork for deeper flavor.
• Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for richness.
• Stir in cream for a rosé-style sauce.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, the flavor improves after a day. Store in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

What makes rigatoni better than spaghetti for this sauce?

Rigatoni’s ridges and hollow shape trap the thick sauce, delivering more flavor per bite.

Can I substitute the meat?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat can be used.

How do I prevent the sauce from drying out?

Cover while simmering and stir occasionally. Add water if it becomes too thick.

Is fresh pasta an option?

Yes, but adjust cooking time as fresh pasta cooks quicker.

How spicy is this recipe?

Mild unless you add red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers can be added for texture and nutrients.

How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy when reheated?

Slightly undercook the pasta if making ahead, then finish cooking when reheating.

What’s the best cheese to top this dish?

Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds depth.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the meat first, then cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Conclusion

A rich and robust pasta dinner that brings traditional Italian flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Rigatoni with Slow-Cooked Meat Sauce

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Rigatoni with Slow-Cooked Meat Sauce is a hearty Italian pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni noodles smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with ground meats, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, slowly simmered to perfection.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Simmered
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef and pork, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add crushed tomatoes and red wine. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.