Rigatoni Bolognese

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

8.5 oz rigatoni

1 carrot finely diced

1 celery stalk finely diced

1 onion finely diced

3 garlic cloves minced

3 tablespoon tomato paste

½ cup red wine alternatively: white wine or beef bone broth

1 ¼ cup tomato passata

1 bay leaf

2 teaspoon olive oil extra virgin

salt and pepper to taste

optional: grated parmesan and fresh basil

Instructions

Preheat a large pan or pot with olive oil over medium heat.

Chop the carrot, celery and onion. Mince the garlic.

Add the carrot, celery, onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until the vegetables start to soften.

Then, add the ground beef, add salt and pepper and sauté everything until the beef has browned.

Add the tomato paste and sauté for a few more minutes.

Now, add the red wine and tomato passata and heat the sauce up until it starts to simmer. Add the bay leaf, cover the pot or pan and let the bolognese simmer for 15 minutes.

Cook the rigatoni according to package instruction while the bolognese simmers.

After letting the bolognese simmer, check if you need to add more liquid. You might want to add a bit of water if the sauce is too thick. Add the rigatoni to the bolognese, mix everything, add more salt and pepper if needed and serve with fresh basil and grated parmesan (optional). Enjoy!

Notes

If you don’t want to use any wine, go for beef bone broth instead! It will taste very delicious.

If you want to make a spicy version of this dish, add paprika powder or red pepper flakes. You could also use red pepper paste instead of tomato paste to give this dish more flavor and a bit of spice.

Save some of the bolognese before adding the rigatoni if you want to freeze a few extra servings for meal prep.

Versatile Pasta Dish: Rigatoni Bolognese is a classic Italian pasta dish that’s both hearty and versatile, allowing for variations in ingredients and flavors to suit personal preferences.

Sautéed Aromatics: The combination of finely diced carrot, celery, onion, and minced garlic adds depth of flavor and aroma to the dish, creating a savory base for the Bolognese sauce.

Choice of Protein: While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.

Wine or Broth: The addition of red wine adds richness and depth to the sauce, but you can opt for white wine or beef bone broth as alternatives. Omitting the wine altogether is also an option.

Simmering the Sauce: Allowing the Bolognese sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes helps develop the flavors and ensures the meat is tender. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding water if needed.

Customization: Feel free to customize the dish according to your taste preferences. Add paprika powder or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or substitute tomato paste with red pepper paste for extra flavor and heat.

Freezing Extra Servings: If you’re meal prepping, consider saving some of the Bolognese sauce before adding the rigatoni and freeze it for later use. This makes for convenient and quick meals in the future.

Storage: Leftover Bolognese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage. Ensure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of the dish, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Serving Suggestions: Serve the Rigatoni Bolognese with freshly grated parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves for added flavor and freshness. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for Rigatoni Bolognese?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne if rigatoni is not available.

Is there a vegetarian version of Bolognese?

Certainly, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian version.

Can I skip the wine in the recipe?

Yes, you can omit the wine.

You may use beef bone broth or even water as an alternative.

How do I store leftover Bolognese sauce?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative to ground beef.

What can I substitute for tomato passata?

You can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute for tomato passata.

Should I remove the bay leaf before serving?

Yes, it’s advisable to remove the bay leaf before serving as it’s added for flavor during cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Bolognese sauce often tastes even better when made ahead.

Just reheat gently before serving.

How do I know when the Bolognese sauce is ready?

The sauce is ready when it has thickened, and the flavors have melded together.

Taste for seasoning before serving.

Can I add vegetables like bell peppers to the Bolognese sauce?

Absolutely, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.