Braised Beef Ragu Pasta for a Cozy Dinner

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This Braised Beef Ragu Pasta is rich, hearty, cozy, and perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender beef is slowly cooked in a deep tomato sauce with garlic, onions, herbs, broth, and parmesan, then tossed with pasta for a restaurant-style meal at home.

Ingredients

  • 800g beef chuck roast or braising beef
  • 350g pappardelle, tagliatelle, rigatoni, or penne
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup red wine, optional
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Pat the beef dry and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned, then remove it from the pot.
  4. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery.
  5. Cook the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  6. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  7. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  8. Pour in red wine if using, or add extra beef broth instead.
  9. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
  10. Return the beef to the pot and cover with a lid.
  11. Simmer on low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the beef is very tender.
  12. Remove the beef and shred it using two forks.
  13. Return the shredded beef to the sauce.
  14. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and rich.
  15. Stir in butter for a glossy finish.
  16. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
  17. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  18. Add pasta to the beef ragu sauce.
  19. Toss gently with parmesan cheese and a splash of pasta water if needed.
  20. Serve warm with extra parmesan, basil, parsley, and cracked black pepper.

Quick Tip

Use pappardelle pasta if you want the best restaurant-style look. The wide noodles hold the rich shredded beef sauce beautifully.

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