Pasta

Tube or Not Tube — One-pan beef and zucchini rigatoni

One-pan beef and zucchini rigatoni. Read the full method and preparation notes before starting.

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Before you begin

Read the ingredient list and the full method before starting. Source estimates are not kitchen-test measurements; marinating, cooling and resting notes remain part of the recipe.


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Tube or Not Tube — One-pan beef and zucchini rigatoni

One-pan beef and zucchini rigatoni. Read the full method and preparation notes before starting.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 12 ounces lean ground beef (85%)
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes with basil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 medium zucchini (about 8 ounces), trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and oregano and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the beef and garlic and cook, breaking the beef into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, until the onion and beef are lightly browned, 9 to 10 minutes. Pour in the wine and cook until it is nearly evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and zucchini; bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until slightly thickened, 2 minutes.
  2. Stir in the rigatoni, salt, pepper, and 3 cups water; bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the sauce is somewhat thickened, about 18 minutes. Add 1 cup water and continue cooking until the pasta is tender, 9 to 10 minutes more.
  3. Serve the rigatoni topped with the Romano and basil.

Notes

Where shown, times and yields are saved source estimates, not measured kitchen-test results.

For general food handling, cooling and reheating guidance, read the cooking notes. Browse the recipe notebook for another dish.

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