Beef Ragu
Beef Ragu is a hearty Italian dish that I love making for family dinners. It uses simple ingredients: ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and quality tomato sauce. First, sauté the chopped vegetables in olive oil, then brown the beef. After that, add the tomato sauce and simmer for about 25 minutes. Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta, and add parmesan and basil on top. If you’re curious about tips and variations, there’s plenty more to explore.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
When you try this Beef Ragu recipe, you’ll discover why it’s a beloved dish in Italian cuisine. This hearty meal combines simple ingredients to create deep flavors.
The rich sauce pairs perfectly with pasta, making it a comforting choice for dinner. Here are a few reasons you’ll love it:
- Easy to make, with just 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Uses fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and garlic for added nutrition.
- Provides a great source of protein from lean ground beef.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite pasta or seasonings.
You’ll find it satisfying and delicious!
Recipe
Beef Ragu is a hearty and comforting Italian dish that brings together the rich flavors of slowly cooked beef and aromatic vegetables. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, as it serves six and can be easily paired with your favorite pasta. The combination of lean ground beef, fresh soffritto, and quality tomato sauce creates a delicious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or for a special occasion, this Beef Ragu is sure to satisfy.
Preparing this dish is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. With a quick preparation time and a short cooking duration, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in no time. The key to making this Beef Ragu truly exceptional is using high-quality ingredients, particularly the olive oil and tomatoes.
By following the instructions carefully and allowing the sauce to simmer, you’ll achieve a depth of flavor that makes this dish a standout at the dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1 finely chopped carrot
- 1 finely chopped celery stalk
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 28 ounces San Marzano tomato sauce (or good-quality tomato sauce)
- Salt to taste
- Cooked pasta of your choice
- Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
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In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrot, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
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Pour in the San Marzano tomato sauce and season with salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the beef is well coated with the sauce.
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Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Once the sauce is ready, toss it with your cooked pasta until well combined. Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Extra Tips:
To enhance the flavor of your Beef Ragu, consider adding a pinch of sugar to the sauce if it tastes too acidic.
Always remember to season your pasta water with salt before boiling your pasta, as this will infuse the pasta with flavor.
For a richer sauce, you can reserve some pasta water to emulsify the ragu before serving.
If you prefer, you can substitute shredded beef for the ground beef; just remember to sear it well and allow it to simmer for at least 2 hours to achieve the best flavor and tenderness.
Enjoy your meal!
Final Thoughts
After preparing the delicious Beef Ragu and enjoying its rich flavors, it’s important to reflect on the experience and consider how to make it even better next time.
Here are some tips:
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Experiment with different meats, like shredded beef, for varied textures.
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Adjust the seasoning to your taste; a little extra salt or herbs can elevate the dish.
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Try adding a splash of red wine for depth.
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Don’t forget to toss the pasta with the sauce, using reserved pasta water for creaminess.
These small changes can enhance your Beef Ragu and make it even more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Imagine a culinary canvas; you can definitely swap ground turkey for ground beef! It’ll change the flavor, but it’ll still be delicious. Just remember to adjust cooking time and seasoning for the best results.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Beef Ragu?
I usually store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for about three to four days. If I freeze it, it lasts up to three months. Just reheat before serving!
What Pasta Pairs Best With Beef Ragu?
I once paired spaghetti with a rich sauce, and it felt like a warm hug. I recommend wide noodles like pappardelle or tagliatelle for beef ragu; they embrace the sauce beautifully, creating a comforting dish.
Can I Make Beef Ragu in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely, I’ve made beef ragu in a slow cooker before! Just sauté the veggies, then combine everything in the cooker. Let it simmer all day for a rich, flavorful sauce that’s totally worth the wait.
Is Beef Ragu Suitable for Freezing?
I know you might worry about texture after freezing, but I’ve found beef ragu freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, store in airtight containers, and it’ll be ready for a quick, delicious meal later!