Description
Rigatoni with Hearty Beef Ragu
Ingredients:
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup red wine (optional)
2 cups marinara or crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the ragu sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Cook the meat:
Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Build the sauce:
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the skillet with red wine (if using) and let it simmer until reduced by half. Add marinara or crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat in the rich ragu. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Serve and garnish:
Plate the rigatoni, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot!
This rigatoni with beef ragu is a warm, hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. Its rich flavors and tender pasta make it a family favorite. Enjoy!
