RIGATONI BOLOGNESE

Rigatoni Bolognese is a hearty and comforting Italian dish that features thick, tube-shaped pasta coated in a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce. The Bolognese sauce, made with ground beef, pork, vegetables, tomatoes, and a touch of wine, is cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Rigatoni’s ridges and hollow shape make it ideal for capturing the robust sauce in every bite. This classic recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion, offering a delicious, satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef and pork to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
4. Add tomatoes and simmer: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
5. Add the milk: Stir in the milk during the last 15 minutes of cooking to add creaminess to the sauce.
6. Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
7. Combine and serve: Toss the cooked rigatoni with the Bolognese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

This Rigatoni Bolognese is a rich and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, offering a comforting taste of Italy with every bite!