Description
This Easy Beef Ragu Pasta recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that comes together with simple ingredients to create a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. The rich beef ragu is simmered to perfection, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ragu:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, or substitute beef broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 1 pound pasta (pappardelle, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Ragu: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon, about 8 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Simmer the Ragu: Deglaze with red wine (or broth), scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the pasta with the ragu, adding pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Serve topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
- Ragu tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a knob of butter before serving.
- This recipe also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups pasta with sauce
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
