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Easy Rigatoni Bolognese Recipe: A Simple and Flavorful Delight

If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish that can please the whole family, look no further than Rigatoni Bolognese. This classic Italian recipe, renowned for its rich and savoury sauce, is surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal fuss, you can create a meal that boasts an explosion of flavours. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

To serve approximately four people, you will need the following ingredients:

• 400g rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 500g minced beef
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 125ml red wine (optional but recommended)
• 250ml beef stock (or water)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, to garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery, cooking for a further 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. This combination of ingredients is the aromatic base of your Bolognese sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Minced Beef

Next, turn up the heat slightly and add the minced beef to the pan. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned all over. This should take about 5-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning the meat adds depth to the flavour of the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Once the beef is browned, stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato purée. If you’re using red wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavours to meld. Then, add the beef stock, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavours will become.

Step 4: Cook the Rigatoni

About 10 minutes before your sauce is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve a splash of the cooking water. Add the rigatoni to the Bolognese sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Serve the Rigatoni Bolognese hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Success

• Meat Variations: While minced beef is traditional, you can mix in minced pork or even turkey for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: For a meat-free version, substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms for a delicious alternative.
• Make Ahead: This sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to three days, or frozen for up to three months. Just reheat and serve with freshly cooked pasta.

Conclusion

This Easy Rigatoni Bolognese recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. With its rich flavour and hearty texture, it is bound to become a favourite in your household. Pair it with a crisp salad and some crusty bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. Bon appétit!

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