One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese

One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese is a hearty, comforting pasta dish where tender rigatoni cooks directly in a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce. With just one pot to clean and minimal prep time, this recipe brings bold, slow-simmered flavor to your table in a fraction of the time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pot meal is full of robust, savory flavor and is incredibly easy to make. Cooking the pasta right in the sauce infuses it with even more deliciousness, while saving time and dishes. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or when you want homemade comfort without the fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rigatoni pasta
• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Olive oil
• Milk
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and milk, stirring to combine.
6. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the uncooked rigatoni.
8. Stir well, cover partially, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened (about 15-18 minutes).
9. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
• Add diced carrots and celery for a more traditional Bolognese base.
• Use penne or ziti if rigatoni isn’t available.
• Stir in a splash of red wine along with the broth for extra depth of flavor.
• Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
Freeze cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, penne, ziti, or any short, sturdy pasta will work.

Do I have to cook the pasta separately?

No, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, which adds flavor and saves time.

What makes this a Bolognese sauce?

It’s a rich, meaty sauce traditionally made with ground meat, tomatoes, and a hint of milk or cream.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use a plant-based ground meat alternative or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Absolutely, stirring in some Parmesan or mozzarella at the end will make it even creamier.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while it cooks to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a large enough pot and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

Should I cover the pot while cooking?

Partially cover the pot to maintain a good simmer and prevent too much liquid from evaporating too quickly.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats very well and can be made a day ahead.

What can I serve with One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Conclusion

One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese is the ultimate easy comfort food — rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying, all with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this dish brings classic Italian flavor to your table with ease. Quick, hearty, and full of love, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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