If you are craving a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner Recipe. This dish brings together tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious tomato sauce that simmers to perfection, creating an irresistibly rich and comforting sauce. Whether served over your favorite pasta or spooned atop creamy polenta, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner that’s perfect for any night. It’s approachable, full of flavor, and truly the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner Recipe are straightforward but absolutely essential to achieving that deep, layered flavor and perfect texture. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s the fresh veggies adding sweetness, the herbs infusing warm aromas, or the cream giving a luscious finish.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef, adding subtle fruity notes.
- Ground beef (or finely chopped beef chuck): The heart of the ragu, delivering a hearty, meaty texture and taste.
- Small onion (finely diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- Garlic (minced): Elevates the savory flavor with its unmistakable aromatic presence.
- Carrot (diced): Brings a hint of sweetness and vibrant color that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- Celery stalk (diced): Adds a mild, earthy crunch that complements the other vegetables beautifully.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato goodness and intensifies the sauce’s richness.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The base of the sauce providing tanginess and body.
- Beef broth or red wine: Introduces moisture and depth, enhancing the savory complexity.
- Dried oregano: Offers a classic Italian herbal note that’s integral to ragu.
- Dried basil: Infuses a sweet, slightly peppery flavor, rounding out the herbs.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat kick for those who love a bit of spice.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into harmony.
- Whole milk or heavy cream (optional): For a silky, rich texture that elevates the sauce to indulgent heights.
- Pasta (pappardelle or rigatoni, 12 ounces): The perfect vehicle for soaking up every bit of that delicious ragu.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the meaty sauce wonderfully.
- Fresh parsley: Provides bright, fresh notes that balance the hearty ragu brilliantly.
How to Make Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Then add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook these trio of veggies for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful foundation that is key to the depth of your ragu.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Beef
Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds to unlock its aroma without letting it burn. Then add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it now to keep the sauce rich but not greasy.
Step 3: Enhance the Flavor with Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook it with the beef and veggies for about one minute. This brief step deepens the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a more intense, robust character that’s irresistible.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth or red wine, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and reduce the heat to low, letting it bubble away for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally so that all flavors meld together harmoniously.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cook Pasta
During the last 5 minutes of simmering, stir in the milk or heavy cream if you want your ragu to have that extra silky richness. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then toss it with your luscious beef ragu until every bite is coated with that comforting sauce.
How to Serve Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. The cheese adds a savory, salty touch while parsley brings a fresh, slightly peppery brightness that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This ragu shines on pasta, but don’t hesitate to serve it over creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes for a cozy twist. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also make wonderful accompaniments, bringing color and crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing dinner, serve the ragu in individual shallow bowls with pasta nestled in the center and garnishes elegantly scattered on top. Alternatively, spoon the sauce onto a platter with polenta rounds for a rustic but stunning presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the flavors continue to mingle, the sauce becomes even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This ragu freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick homemade meal anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Serve with freshly cooked pasta for a meal that tastes like you just made it from scratch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this ragu?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork can be swapped in for a lighter or slightly different flavor profile. Just keep the cooking times similar to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.
What pasta works best with this beef ragu?
Wide noodles like pappardelle or sturdy shapes such as rigatoni are ideal because they hold the thick sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand.
Is it necessary to add milk or cream?
Milk or cream isn’t essential but adding it gives the sauce a silky richness that mellows the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother taste. You can skip it if you prefer a leaner dish.
Can I make this ragu in advance?
Yes! In fact, making your Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner Recipe a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even more deeply, making your meal tastier and easier to prepare when you’re ready to serve.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth rather than overwhelming heat, but you can omit them if you want a milder sauce, or increase slightly if you like things spicy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner Recipe truly feels like a cherished comfort food that doesn’t require hours of effort but delivers incredible flavor and satisfaction. From the first savory bite to the last, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients come together to create such a memorable meal. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation.
Print
Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu recipe is a comforting Italian main course perfect for a satisfying dinner. Ground beef is simmered with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato sauce, then finished with a touch of cream for depth of flavor. Served over pappardelle or rigatoni pasta and topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley, this ragu offers a classic, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Ragu Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or beef chuck, finely chopped)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 carrot (diced)
- 1 celery stalk (diced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup beef broth or red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream (optional, for richness)
Pasta & Garnish
- 12 ounces pasta (pappardelle or rigatoni)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Beef: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. This step deepens the flavor by lightly caramelizing the tomato paste.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth or red wine. Add dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Ragu: Partially cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the ragu simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to develop flavors.
- Finish with Milk or Cream: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the whole milk or heavy cream if you want a richer sauce. This will mellow the acidity and add a creamy texture.
- Cook Pasta: While the ragu simmers, cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Toss and Serve: Combine the cooked pasta with the beef ragu sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
- This ragu can also be served over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting alternative.
- For a deeper, richer flavor, let the ragu simmer longer or prepare it a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- Ground turkey or pork can be used in place of beef for a lighter variation.
- Ensure to drain excess fat after browning the meat to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level or omit for a milder sauce.
