There’s something magical about a dish that wraps you in comfort and makes the whole house smell incredible while it simmers away. That’s exactly what you get with this Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner. Rich, slow-cooked flavors meet everyday simplicity in a sauce that’s robust and endlessly satisfying. Whether you need a cozy meal for a chilly night or want to impress friends with minimal fuss, this recipe never disappoints. The blend of savory beef, sweet carrots, aromatic herbs, and just a touch of heat, all tangled with ribbons of pasta, makes every bite swoon-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner matters, yet none are fussy or hard to find. Together, they create a rich, savory sauce that clings beautifully to pasta and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one matters:
- Olive oil: The foundation for building flavor and softening vegetables without burning.
- Ground beef: The star protein, offering depth and richness as it cooks slowly in the sauce.
- Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatics that shape the entire flavor profile.
- Carrots: Add pops of color and a gentle, natural sweetness to balance the acidity of tomatoes.
- Celery: Gives classic Italian backbone and an earthy undertone to the sauce.
- Garlic: For that essential bold, savory lift every good ragu needs.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and helps thicken the ragu.
- Crushed tomatoes: The saucy base, bringing hearty tomato body and tanginess.
- Beef broth or red wine: Adds moisture, richness, and complexity—choose wine for extra depth!
- Dried oregano: Delivers a classic Italian herb flavor that sings in the sauce.
- Dried basil: Infuses the ragu with notes of sweet, peppery freshness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a touch of gentle heat.
- Salt: Draws out natural flavors and seasons the sauce to perfection.
- Black pepper: Adds boldness and subtle warmth in every mouthful.
- Bay leaf: Melds the flavors together with a delicate, aromatic touch.
- Pasta (pappardelle, tagliatelle, or spaghetti): Wide noodles hold ragu perfectly, but any favorite strand will do.
- Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley: For that final flourish—salty, nutty, and herbaceous!
How to Make Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a sturdy, large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Let it brown fully—this is where a lot of savory, meaty flavor comes in—about 6 to 7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so all the pieces get that delicious caramelized edge.
Step 2: Soften the Vegetables
Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery next. Stir them into the browned beef and let them cook until softened, about 5 minutes. These classic ragu veggies release sweetness and add texture while gently soaking up all that beefy goodness.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Now, add those minced garlic cloves and the tomato paste. Stir constantly for about 1 minute—just until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly. This quick step deepens the overall flavor of your Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner.
Step 4: Pour in Tomatoes, Liquid, and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth or red wine, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (for a bit of spice), salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good mix so the seasonings are distributed, and the sauce starts coming together into something hearty and irresistibly aromatic.
Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow
Reduce the heat to low, partially cover your pot, and let the ragu simmer gently for anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir every so often so nothing sticks. The longer it cooks, the fuller the flavors—if you have time, let it go up to 2 hours for even more depth.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers away, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain well, but keep a splash of pasta water handy if you’d like a looser sauce.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
As the final step in your Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner, fish out the bay leaf from your sauce, then toss the rich, meaty ragu with the hot pasta right in the pot. This ensures every strand gets coated with that beautiful sauce. Serve up immediately, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
How to Serve Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner
Garnishes
Fresh, finely grated Parmesan cheese is a must—it melts into the sauce and gives each bite a salty, nutty kick. Don’t skip the sprinkle of bright green parsley either for a pop of color and freshness. Want a little zing? Add some lemon zest or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner shines when paired with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. A glass of red wine ties it all together, especially if you’ve used some in the sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Go classic and pile the ragu over pappardelle for a rustic Italian feel, or ladle it over creamy polenta for pure comfort. Serve in individual mini cocottes for elegant dinner-party vibes, or pile it onto baked potatoes for an unexpected twist. For leftovers, try making stuffed bell peppers or a decadent ragu lasagna.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container and cool completely before refrigerating. The flavors actually get even better as they continue blending together overnight!
Freezing
This ragu is a freezer champion. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags (without pasta), label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to revive a weeknight or need comfort in a hurry.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems thick. Stir occasionally until hot throughout. If reheating with pasta, adding a touch of water will help bring the sauciness back.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can easily swap in ground pork, turkey, or even a plant-based substitute for a twist. Just remember, each option will lend its own flavor and texture to the final dish.
What’s the best pasta to pair with ragu?
Wide, sturdy noodles like pappardelle or tagliatelle are perfect for catching the chunky sauce, but regular spaghetti works beautifully too. Honestly, your favorite pasta shape will never steer you wrong.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. In fact, making the Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen and meld. Simply reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Is it okay to skip the wine?
Of course! If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, stick with beef broth—it still adds plenty of richness. The sauce will still deliver outstanding flavor with or without the wine.
What should I do if my sauce gets too thick?
No worries! If your ragu looks a little too hearty, add a splash of pasta cooking water, broth, or even milk to loosen it up. Stir well until you reach your ideal consistency.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people together quite like a bowl of pasta piled high with this Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner. If you’re craving a meal that’s simple, deeply flavorful, and feels like a warm hug, this ragu is waiting for you. Try it once and it’s bound to earn a regular spot at your family table!
Print
Easy and Hearty Beef Ragu Recipe for Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This easy and hearty beef ragu recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner. Made with ground beef, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this Italian-inspired dish is simmered to perfection and served over pasta with Parmesan and parsley.
Ingredients
For the Beef Ragu:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup beef broth or red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
For Serving:
- 1 pound pasta (pappardelle, tagliatelle, or spaghetti)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and brown beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Saute vegetables: Stir in onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add seasonings: Add garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth/wine, herbs, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta until al dente.
- Combine and serve: Remove bay leaf, toss ragu with pasta, and serve with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, simmer ragu longer (up to 2 hours).
- Freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
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