Description
Creamy Beef Rigatoni Recipe
Ingredients:
400g rigatoni pasta
300g ground beef
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan, add onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
3. Cook the Beef: Add ground beef to the pan, season with paprika, salt, and black pepper, and cook until browned.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce and heavy cream, letting it simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked rigatoni into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm!
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#ComfortFood #PastaLovers #CreamyBeefRigatoni
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect creamy beef rigatoni. First, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests for a true al dente texture. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, ensuring you get some nice browned bits. Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it. Serve with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a fresh touch, top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese alongside the parsley. Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese.
How-to Summary
In short: cook pasta al dente, reserving some water. Sauté onion and garlic, then brown seasoned beef. Simmer with tomato sauce and cream. Combine pasta and sauce, using pasta water to adjust consistency. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Penne, ziti, or fusilli are excellent substitutes that also hold sauce well.
How can I make this dish less rich? Substitute half or all of the heavy cream with full-fat evaporated milk or whole milk for a lighter, yet still creamy, sauce.
Can I add vegetables? Yes. Sliced mushrooms or spinach added with the beef, or diced bell peppers cooked with the onion, are great additions.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or milk to revive the creaminess.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead? You can, but ground poultry is leaner. Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil when cooking to prevent dryness and ensure flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta ruins the texture. Always aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Skipping the Pasta Water: The starchy water is key for helping the sauce cling to the pasta and adjusting thickness.
- Burning the Garlic: Add garlic after the onion is soft and cook only briefly. Burnt garlic turns bitter.
- Not Browning the Beef: Simply boiling the beef until grey steams it. Cook until properly browned for deeper flavor.
- Boiling the Cream Sauce: After adding the cream, only let the sauce simmer gently. A hard boil can cause the cream to separate or curdle.
Conclusion
This creamy beef rigatoni is the epitome of satisfying comfort food, combining hearty flavors with a luxurious texture in under 30 minutes. Its simplicity is its strength, relying on a few quality ingredients and proper technique. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite additions and enjoy the delicious results.