One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese

Rigatoni Bolognese is a classic Italian dish. It's perfect for a special occasion, yet super easy to make. This recipe delivers on all fronts. BUT this recipe takes just 30 minutes to make!

Next time try the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole!

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe   
• Ingredients
• Instructions 
• Video
• Equipment
• FAQ's
• Things to know
• Variations
• Storage
• Related recipes
• Serve with
• Rigatoni Bolognese Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe   

✔️ This is my favorite of the one-pot pastas. No need to boil a large pot of salted water first, everything happens in one pot!

✔️ This will quickly become your favorite pasta dish. It's packed with flavors that your entire family will enjoy.

✔️ You only need basic ingredients and a little time - less than 30 minutes - to make this meal!

AND it's a quick 30 minute meal.

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients. For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

• ground beef
• mild Italian sausage 
• yellow onion
• carrot
• celery stalk
• marinara sauce
• tomato paste
• beef broth
• rigatoni pasta
• grated parmesan

Instructions 

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

1. In a large stockpot over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage. Drain fat if desired.
2. Add the tomato paste and chopped vegetables to the pot with the beef and cook over medium heat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened, stirring often.
3. Pour in the broth and pasta sauce into the pot, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Stir to combine.
4. Now add the pasta. Stir and make sure the pasta is covered with liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 14-15 minutes.
5. When pasta is tender, remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan. Serve with additional grated parmesan - enjoy!

Video

Click on the image to watch this fun video and see me make this recipe from start to finish with extra tips! (Video opens in a new tab).

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Equipment

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• large dutch oven or large pot with a lid
• knife and cutting board
• measuring cup and spoon

FAQ's

Things to know

• Chop the vegetables into even-sized portions so that they cook evenly.
• Of course you can make your own marinara sauce if you'd prefer.
• Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot well with a wooden spoon or spatula to get all the brown bits off the bottom when you add the broth.
• Garnish with fresh basil, fresh parsley, or additional grated parmesan cheese.
• If you are cooking with very lean ground beef, you can add a little olive oil to the bottom of your saucepan to prevent the beef and sausage from sticking to the bottom.

Variations

• Instead of ground pork sausage, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead.
• You can use just about any type of pasta - penne, rotini, orecchiette pasta would be amazing as well.
• Add a little heat to pasta recipes by sprinkling in a dash of red pepper flakes and black pepper to the sauce.
• Add more flavor to your sauce by tossing in some of your favorite fresh herbs.
• Add some hidden veggies. Diced green pepper or red pepper would be terrific. You could also add carrots or mushrooms.
• If you prefer a chunky meat sauce, you can add a can of diced tomatoes to your sauce.
• Do you enjoy a creamy bolognese sauce? Add ½ cup of milk or heavy cream at the end to give this sauce a rich creamy texture.
• Turn your leftovers into a casserole by adding it to a baking dish and topping with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil, then place in the oven at 350 degrees until the cheese melts. You may want to add some additional pasta sauce to the noodles.
• If you like vegetables in your bolognese recipe, add a diced bell pepper, yellow squash or zucchini to the meat when you are browning it.

Storage

Refrigerate -  Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezer - This dish freezes well. To freeze, place the cooled pasta and sauce in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat - Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. Or in the microwave, heat in 30-second increments until warmed through.

Related recipes

• If you love cheesy pasta recipes you may also enjoy this Ground Sausage Peppers and Onions Pasta.
• Save money by not eating out and make this Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe at home.
• Do you enjoy alfredo? If so, give this Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe a try.

Serve with

I serve this with a great red wine, but if you'd prefer white wine, that works as well. I'd suggest a dry chardonnay.

• Are you looking for the perfect side to serve with this favorite pasta recipe? Enjoy a simple green salad or this Copycat Outback Wedge Salad. It's fresh, flavorful, and pairs well with this hearty dish.
• A side of Steamed Brussels Sprouts will lighten up this rich meal.
• Do you have trouble having the perfect appetizer to serve with pasta recipes? These Italian Stuffed Mushrooms are just the appetizer that you are looking for.
• You'll definitely want these easy dinner rolls to sop up that delicious sauce!
• Want to end this meal with a simple and creamy dessert? This Butterscotch Pudding Dessert is easy to make, and full of sweet and creamy flavors.

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