Description
This flavorful One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese recipe combines ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and tender rigatoni pasta all cooked together in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this hearty Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
Liquids
- 3 cups beef broth (or more as needed)
- 1 (28-oz) can diced tomatoes
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 (16-oz) box rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
- Grated parmesan (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a medium-large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pan with the beef. Stir often and cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Season and deglaze: Sprinkle the garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the mixture, then add a pinch of salt, pepper, and the tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Pour in 3 cups of beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a spoon to lift any browned bits into the liquid, enhancing the flavor.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and the uncooked rigatoni pasta, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Add up to 1 additional cup of broth as needed to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and the sauce doesn’t dry out.
- Serve: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of broth depending on how saucy you want the dish.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
