Rigatoni Bolognese pasta with meat sauce and melted cheese in a white ceramic baking dish

Simple Rigatoni Bolognese

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If you’re searching for a comforting, family-style Italian dish that’s both rich in flavor and incredibly simple to make, look no further than this Simple Rigatoni Bolognese. This one-pot wonder brings together al dente pasta, a hearty meat sauce simmered with garlic and herbs, and a generous layer of gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping a midweek dinner for your family, or just craving something homemade and satisfying, this dish delivers every time. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. For more quick comfort food classics, don’t miss our Baked Eggs with Cheese Recipe — another dish you’ll love if easy dinners are your go-to!

Unlike the traditional, time-intensive ragù alla bolognese that simmers for hours, this simplified version is ready in under 40 minutes without sacrificing flavor. It’s perfect for home cooks looking for easy Italian dinner recipes that don’t require culinary training or complicated steps. And thanks to its flexibility, you can tweak it to suit your dietary preferences, whether you’re going for low-carb, extra protein, or adding in vegetables.

 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ½ ground beef + ½ ground pork for richer flavor)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano for richer flavor)

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp ground black pepper

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian blend cheese)

  • Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish

  • Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for heat

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.

  2. Sauté Aromatics
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion, cook for 3–4 mins, then add garlic and sauté 1–2 mins.

  3. Brown the Meat
    Add ground beef (or pork mix), break it apart, cook 6–8 mins. Drain excess fat.

  4. Build the Sauce
    Stir in tomato paste, cook 2 mins. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Simmer uncovered 10–15 mins.

  5. Combine with Pasta
    Add pasta to sauce, stir to coat. Simmer on low 3–4 mins.

  6. Add Cheese
    Top with shredded mozzarella, cover for 5 mins until melted. Broil for 2 mins if desired.

  7. Serve
    Garnish with parsley or thyme. Serve hot with bread or salad.

Ingredient Tips

  • Meat: Mix beef & pork or use ground turkey/chicken for lean version

  • Tomatoes: San Marzano = richer flavor

  • Cheese: Use mozzarella, or blend with Parmesan/fontina

  • Pasta: Rigatoni holds sauce well. Penne/ziti also good options

Tips & Variations

  • Add mushrooms, carrots, spinach

  • Go spicy: more red chili flakes

  • Gluten-free? Use GF pasta

  • Make it baked: add breadcrumbs + oven finish

  • Low-carb? Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash

Storage

  • Fridge: 4 days in airtight container

  • Freezer: 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat with splash of water

 Time & Yield

  • Prep: 10 mins

  • Cook: 30 mins

  • Total: ~40 mins

  • Servings: 4–5

 Tools Needed

  • Large pot

  • Deep skillet/Dutch oven

  • Wooden spoon

  • Cheese grater

  • Airtight containers

 FAQ

Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes — sauce in advance, combine with fresh pasta later.

Can I use other pasta?
Yes, penne, ziti, rotini all work.

Fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but you must peel/blend them. Canned = easier.

Spicy?
Only if you add chili. Otherwise, it’s mild.

Vegetarian?
Use lentils or plant-based meat instead.

Discover More Recipes

Final Thoughts

This Simple Rigatoni Bolognese is everything you need in one skillet — flavorful, comforting, and family-approved. Whether you’re cooking after work or prepping meals ahead, it’s a no-fail recipe that always delivers.

Try it, share it, and explore more pasta-perfect recipes at BrandiRecipes.com!

Simple Rigatoni Bolognese is an easy one-pot Italian dinner made with beef, crushed tomatoes, garlic, and melty cheese. Perfect weeknight comfort food!

Rigatoni Bolognese pasta with meat sauce and melted cheese in a white ceramic baking dish

Simple Rigatoni Bolognese

A rich and comforting one-pot Italian dinner made with rigatoni pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, garlic, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights or family meals. - Large pot
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • - 1 lb ground beef or ½ beef + ½ pork
  • - 1 tbsp olive oil
  • - 1 small yellow onion diced
  • - 2 cloves garlic minced
  • - 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • - 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • - 1 tsp dried oregano
  • - ½ tsp salt
  • - ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • - 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • - 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • - Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • - Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Equipment

  • - Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • - Wooden spoon
  • - Cheese grater
  • - Airtight containers

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion, cook 3–4 min, then garlic for 1 min.
  4. Add ground beef, break it apart, cook until browned (6–8 min). Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in tomato paste for 2 min, then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 10–15 min.
  6. Add pasta to sauce. Stir and let simmer 3–4 min.
  7. Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover and let cheese melt 5 min. Optional: broil for 2 min.
  8. Garnish with parsley or thyme and serve.

Notes

Notes:
- Use turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add mushrooms or spinach.
- Make it spicy with chili flakes.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months.