The Perfect Beef Ragu Recipe in 2024

Introduction

Beef ragu recipe is a classic Italian dish that combines tender, slow-cooked beef with a rich tomato sauce and pasta. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you crave a satisfying and flavorful dish. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making a delicious beef ragu that will impress your loved ones and leave them asking for seconds.

How to Make Beef Ragu Recipe

Ingredients and Directions

Beef Ragu Recipe

Course: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

7

servings

Prep time

14

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

29

minutes

Calories

550

kcal

To make this mouthwatering beef ragu, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 carrot, finely chopped

• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 lb pasta (pappardelle or tagliatelle)

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors will meld together.
• When the sauce is nearly done, cook the pasta in a separate pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water.
• Toss the cooked pasta with the beef ragu, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the noodles.
• Serve the beef ragu with grated Parmesan cheese on top, and enjoy your comforting and flavorful meal!

Tips and Variations for Beef Ragu Recipe

• Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer, you can prepare the beef ragu in a slow cooker. After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to your ragu, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply sauté them along with the onions, carrots, and celery.
• Pasta Alternatives: While pappardelle and tagliatelle are traditional choices for beef ragu, you can also serve it over other pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine.
• Freezer-Friendly: This beef ragu recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or having leftovers on hand. Allow the ragu to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

While beef ragu pasta is a complete meal on its own, you may want to consider serving it with some side dishes to round out your dining experience. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Toasted slices of crusty bread slathered with garlic butter are a classic accompaniment to Italian pasta dishes. The bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce on your plate.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber drizzled with a simple vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the rich and hearty beef ragu.
• Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts can add a healthy and flavorful side to your meal.
• Caprese Salad: A simple salad of sliced fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar can serve as a fresh and light starter or side dish.

Remember to keep your side dishes simple and light to avoid overwhelming the star of the show – your delicious beef ragu pasta.

Nutritional Information: Beef Ragu Recipe

While beef ragu is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake or following a specific diet. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (assuming the recipe serves 6):

• Calories: 650-750
• Protein: 35-40 grams
• Fat: 25-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
• Fiber: 5-7 grams

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. To make the dish more balanced, consider adjusting your portion sizes, opting for leaner cuts of beef, or incorporating more vegetables into the ragu or as side dishes.

FAQ: Beef Ragu Recipe

1. Can I make beef ragu ahead of time?
   Yes, beef ragu is an excellent dish to make ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day or two in the refrigerator. Simply prepare the ragu as instructed, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the ragu on the stovetop before serving.
2. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   While chuck roast is the most common cut for beef ragu due to its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked, you can use other cuts like short ribs, brisket, or round roast. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut you choose.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Simply replace the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety, such as those made from corn, rice, or quinoa. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients, including the beef broth and tomato paste, to ensure they are gluten-free.
4. How can I make the beef ragu spicier?
   If you enjoy a bit of heat in your dishes, you can add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the ragu while it simmers. Start with a small amount (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) and adjust according to your taste preferences. Alternatively, you can serve the ragu with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top, allowing each diner to customize their level of spice.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to make a delectable beef ragu, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! This classic Italian dish is sure to become a family favorite, thanks to its rich flavors, tender meat, and comforting pasta. Don’t forget to share your experience and any personal twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Happy cooking!