Get ready to add a new staple to your weeknight dinner rotation with this Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together tender pasta and a deeply savory meat sauce in under 45 minutes, capturing the magic of slow-simmered Italian classics without the all-day commitment. Every forkful delivers a cozy, aromatic blend of tomatoes, veggies, herbs, and beef — pure comfort food that feels both casual and special. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a heartwarming bowl all to yourself, this Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe promises delicious results with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the sauce’s complexity, adding layers of flavor, color, and texture that make this pasta so irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the base veggies for a fragrant start.
- Onion (finely chopped): Lays the flavor foundation, bringing sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with warmth and that irresistible Italian aroma.
- Carrot (finely diced): Lends a subtle sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Celery stalk (finely diced): Adds a touch of earthiness and rounds out the classic soffritto trio.
- Ground beef: The star protein, giving the ragu its hearty, satisfying bite.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Dried oregano: Provides herby, Mediterranean notes that elevate the savoriness.
- Dried basil: Brings brightness and a clean, sweet undertone to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a hint of heat, this adds a lively kick.
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of the ragu, creating a rich and chunky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Beef broth or water: Adds moisture; broth delivers even deeper flavor, but water works just fine.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Pasta (pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni): Wide, sturdy noodles are ideal for catching every drop of that luscious sauce.
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil (optional): Finish with cheesy sharpness and a burst of freshness for true Italian flair.
How to Make Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once warm, add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these classic Italian vegetables for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and the onions turn translucent. This step is crucial — it builds the aromatic base that will carry the beef ragu’s flavor throughout every bite.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Cook the Beef
Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, just until fragrant. Next, crumble in the ground beef. With a wooden spoon or spatula, break it up as it browns, making sure there’s no pink remaining. This process not only adds loads of flavor but also creates the hearty, meaty texture that makes this Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe so cozy.
Step 3: Mix in Tomato Paste and Herbs
Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and if you like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to deepen and the herbs to bloom in the hot oil. This is how you coax out those big, bold Italian flavors and ensure your sauce is anything but flat.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the beef broth (or water, if you prefer a lighter touch). Season the sauce generously with salt and black pepper, then reduce the heat. Let this mixture simmer gently, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally as it thickens and the flavors meld. For even more depth, you can let it go up to an hour if you have the time.
Step 5: Cook and Combine the Pasta
While your ragu simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until it’s just shy of al dente, following package instructions. Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the drained pasta directly into the simmering sauce, tossing everything together until the noodles are deliciously coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the ragu needs loosening — this helps the sauce cling for that luscious, glossy finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the pasta into bowls while hot and shower generously with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. This final touch brings a salty, nutty richness to the Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe and a fresh pop of color and aroma.
How to Serve Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan is always a must for beef ragu, delivering savory depth and creamy texture. Freshly torn basil leaves add not just beautiful color, but a burst of herbal freshness right at the end. For a dash of color and heat, a pinch more red pepper flakes works wonders. If you’re feeling adventurous, shave some pecorino over each bowl for a salty, sharp finish.
Side Dishes
This Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad lightly tossed in vinaigrette, or a side of garlicky roasted broccoli. You can never go wrong with warm, crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce. For an Italian-inspired spread, consider serving with marinated olives or a simple caprese salad.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming for a little wow factor, twirl portions of pasta into neat nests on each plate and top with a generous scoop of beef ragu. For dinner parties, serve in a large, shallow platter and let folks serve themselves family-style. You could even spoon the ragu over creamy polenta or baked potatoes for an unexpected twist on tradition — it’s a guaranteed hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors develop and intensify overnight, making leftovers even more delicious, so don’t be shy about making extra.
Freezing
This ragu sauce is the ultimate make-ahead meal. For best results, freeze the sauce and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers. The beef ragu itself can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen if needed. If using frozen sauce, thaw first, then reheat. For pasta, a quick dip in boiling water or a few minutes in the microwave with the sauce does the trick. Toss well to coat the pasta in that hearty sauce again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic in an Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe, ground turkey, pork, or even sausage work beautifully for different flavor profiles. Just keep the cooking method the same and enjoy your personal spin.
What pasta shapes work best with beef ragu?
Wider noodles like pappardelle, tagliatelle, or sturdy shapes like rigatoni are ideal because they grip onto the sauce. But don’t stress — any pasta you love will pair well with this rich, hearty ragu.
Can this Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth and tomato products for hidden gluten sources. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free and just as delicious.
How can I make this dish ahead of time for guests?
You can make the beef ragu sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce while cooking the pasta fresh, then toss together and garnish as usual. This actually gives the flavors more time to meld!
What if I don’t have beef broth on hand?
No worries — water works just fine in a pinch. If you have vegetable or chicken broth, those are great alternatives. Or, for extra depth, add a splash of red wine to the sauce and let it simmer off before adding tomatoes and water.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving dinner that’s savory, satisfying, and worthy of seconds (and maybe thirds), this Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe has you covered. With crave-worthy flavors and simple steps, it’s the kind of meal that brings people together at the table. Give it a try — your future self (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
Print
Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Easy Beef Ragu Pasta recipe that is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This hearty dish features a rich beef and tomato sauce with aromatic herbs served over your favorite pasta, garnished with Parmesan and basil.
Ingredients
For the Beef Ragu:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 12 oz pasta (such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Ragu: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Brown the ground beef, then add tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. Toss pasta with the sauce, adding reserved water if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan and basil before serving hot.
Notes
- Simmering the sauce longer enhances the flavors.
- This dish freezes well and tastes even better the next day.
- Substitute ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
