Description
A hearty and authentic Italian pasta dish featuring rigatoni tossed in a slow-simmered, rich meat sauce made from ground beef, optional Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of milk for creaminess, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
pasta
- 1 lb rigatoni
meat and dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- Parmesan for serving
vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
liquids and seasonings
- 1 cup broth or wine
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- Salt, pepper, Italian herbs (to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté Meat: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and optional Italian sausage together until fully browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, finely diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the browned meat. Stir and cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Milk: Pour in the cup of milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed, enriching the sauce and tenderizing the meat.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and broth or wine. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors develop deeply.
- Cook Rigatoni: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked rigatoni with the Bolognese sauce until evenly coated. Serve hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, simmer the sauce longer, up to 90 minutes.
- Adding pancetta at the start with the meat adds a traditional touch.
- Use dry white wine instead of broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
