Savor the rich flavors of hearty Beef Ragu, a perfect blend of tender beef and savory sauce ready in under an hour. This classic Italian-inspired dish brings together slow-cooked goodness with a burst of aromatic herbs and spices, making it an irresistible dinner choice any night of the week. Whether served over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread, Beef Ragu offers both comfort and elegance, delivering deep, satisfying flavors that everyone will love.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Rich Flavor: Combines tender beef with a robust, tomato-based sauce for deep, savory taste.
- Versatile: Works beautifully over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even polenta for different meals.
- Comforting: Delivers a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with no complicated prep, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
Ingredients Youโll Need
The ingredients for this Beef Ragu are straightforward but essential, each one bringing bright flavors, satisfying texture, or that rich color that makes every bite so enticing.
- Ground Beef: Provides tender, juicy richness as the dishโs main protein.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautรฉed until soft and golden.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the hearty, tangy base of the ragu sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a velvety texture.
- Carrots: Bring subtle natural sweetness and a hint of color.
- Celery: Adds a gentle crunch and aromatic undertone.
- Red Wine (optional): Enhances the sauce with complex depth and richness.
- Olive Oil: Sautรฉs the vegetables and beef while adding a silky finish.
- Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for classic seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Bay Leaf: Adds an earthy, fragrant note during simmering.
Variations for Beef Ragu
Feel free to get creative with this Beef Ragu recipe! Itโs very adaptable and welcoming to different ingredients, dietary tweaks, or flavor profiles.
- Use Different Meats: Swap ground beef for pork, veal, or a mix to change the richness and texture.
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Fold in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies and nutrition.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the ragu over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Skip cheese toppings or use vegan cheese for sensitive diets.
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How to Make Beef Ragu
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by finely chopping onions, carrots, and celery to create a flavorful base known as a soffritto, which will elevate the sauceโs aroma and taste significantly.
Step 2: Sautรฉ the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pan and gently cook the onion, carrot, and celery over medium heat until soft and beginning to caramelize โ this slow cooking builds sweetness in the dish.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps. This step creates rich caramelized flavors and seals in juices that make every bite tender.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Sautรฉ for another minute to activate aromas without burning.
Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape the pan bottom to lift all those flavorful browned bits. Let it reduce slightly before adding crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to form the sauce.
Step 6: Cook the Ragu
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer develops the sauceโs richness and thickens it to a luscious consistency.
Pro Tips for Making Beef Ragu
- Brown the Beef Well: Donโt rush this step, as browning adds essential depth of flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh basil or parsley added at the end brightens the dish beautifully.
- Simmer Slowly: Longer cooking times intensify flavors; just watch the sauce and add a splash of water if needed.
- Donโt Skip the Wine: It adds complexity but can be left out or substituted with broth if preferred.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking for a balanced final dish.
How to Serve Beef Ragu
Garnishes
Top your Beef Ragu with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add richness and freshness before serving.
Side Dishes
This Beef Ragu shines paired with a variety of sides โ classic spaghetti or pappardelle noodles soak up the sauce perfectly, while creamy polenta or garlicky mashed potatoes lend a silky contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Beef Ragu spooned over baked pasta shells or stuffed peppers for an impressive twist, or layer it in a lasagna for a hearty, rustic meal thatโs sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Beef Ragu in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and flavor retention.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifullyโportion into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much to maintain that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef for this Beef Ragu?
Absolutely! Ground chuck, ground sirloin, or a mixture works well and can alter the flavor and fat content to your liking.
Is it necessary to add wine to the recipe?
Wine adds depth and richness but can be substituted with beef broth or omitted entirely if preferred or unavailable.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the beef and sautรฉing veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours for an even more tender result.
What pasta pairs best with Beef Ragu?
Wide ribbons like pappardelle or fettuccine work wonderfully, but even spaghetti or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
How can I make the Beef Ragu spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or a dash of hot sauce to taste for your preferred heat level.
Final Thoughts
Whether itโs a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this Beef Ragu recipe is a true lifesaverโrich, comforting, and delicious without fuss. Give it a try, and watch how it becomes a favorite in your meal rotation, turning everyday ingredients into an unforgettable feast.
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Beef Ragu
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Contains Beef
Description
Savor the rich, hearty flavors of classic Italian-inspired Beef Raguโa tender ground beef and tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Ready in under an hour, this versatile dish can be served over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread for a comforting and elegant meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery to create a flavor-packed soffritto base that will elevate the sauceโs aroma and depth.
- Sautรฉ the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, cooking gently until soft and starting to caramelize, building natural sweetness.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until well browned, breaking up any clumps to develop rich caramelized flavors and seal in juices.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to release fragrant aromas without burning.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the red wine (if using), scraping the pan bottom to release browned bits. Let it reduce slightly, then add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to form the sauce.
- Cook the Ragu: Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer thickens the sauce and intensifies the flavors.
Notes
- Brown the Beef Well: Take your time to brown the beef for maximum flavor depth.
- Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Adding fresh basil or parsley at the end brightens and freshens the dish.
- Simmer Slowly: Slow cooking deepens flavor; add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
- Donโt Skip the Wine: Adds richness but can be replaced with broth or omitted.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking for balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg