Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pot rigatoni bolognese is everything you want in a cozy, homemade meal. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor thanks to seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and a touch of heavy cream for richness. The best part? You cook the pasta directly in the sauce, which not only saves time but also infuses every bite with savory goodness. Perfect for busy nights or when you just need a delicious bowl of pasta without the fuss.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the beef broth and marinara sauce, mixing well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the rigatoni pasta.
- Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15-18 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Lighter Version: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Cheesier Finish: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella for a gooey twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in 1-minute increments until hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or even fusilli. Adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape.
Is it okay to use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely. Homemade sauce will give this dish an even richer, more personalized flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats well and can be made a day in advance for easy meals throughout the week.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with rigatoni bolognese?
It pairs perfectly with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can skip the cream and Parmesan or replace them with dairy-free alternatives.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Should I cover the pot while cooking the pasta?
No, cook it uncovered so the sauce can reduce and thicken.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Conclusion
One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese is the kind of meal that satisfies cravings for something hearty and homemade without requiring hours in the kitchen. With its bold flavors, creamy finish, and easy cleanup, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your weeknight rotation. Try it once, and it’ll be a new favorite for the whole family.
One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese is a quick, hearty pasta dish where rigatoni is cooked directly in a rich, meaty tomato sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights and easy cleanup.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups beef broth
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the beef broth and marinara sauce, mixing well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the rigatoni pasta.
- Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15-18 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Replace beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
Top with shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
