Hearty Beef Red Wine Pasta Ragu
Comfort Food? Let's Talk Beef Pasta Recipes
Fancy a proper hug in a bowl? Honestly, who doesn't love a good plate of pasta? Today, we're diving into the world of beef pasta recipes , particularly a recipe that's a bit special.
This one's not just chucking some mince into tomato sauce. It's a Hearty Beef & Red Wine Pasta Ragu , slow cooked to perfection.
What Makes This Ragu So Special?
This isn't just another quick Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner type of deal. It's Italian Beef Pasta with a twist, reminiscent of a Sunday roast.
It's proper Comfort Food Pasta Recipes . The slow cooking brings out amazing flavors. We are talking about a rich sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Someone said that food is symbolic of love when language is inadequate and is so true in this recipe!
This particular pasta ragu recipe is adapted from an Italian classic, but with a British twist. You know, making it even more comforting and hearty.
It's relatively easy, taking about 2- 3 hours total. Most of that is just letting it simmer away while you get on with your day.
This Beef Recipes Easy will happily feed 6-8 hungry souls.
Why This Ragu Will Be Your New Favourite
Beyond the incredible taste, this ragu is packed with goodness. Beef is a great source of iron and protein. The long cooking time helps the flavors meld and intensify.
This is ideal for a chilly evening or a family gathering. Making it one of those Family Friendly Pasta Dishes that everyone adores.
Plus, it's a great way to use up that bottle of red wine you've been meaning to open. Trust me, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into something truly special.
Get ready for something special than just Beef Recipes For Dinner .
Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need to make amazing beef pasta recipes , particularly, our Hearty Beef & Red Wine Pasta Ragu. Don't worry, nothing too fancy, just the essentials!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Main Ingredients: Beefy Goodness
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml).
- Ground beef: 1.5 lbs (680g). Look for chuck or sirloin. It should be a vibrant red colour, not grey! You need quality for tasty beef recipes for dinner .
- Yellow onion: 1 large , finely diced.
- Carrots: 2 , finely diced.
- Celery: 2 stalks , finely diced.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon .
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, but I like a little kick!).
- Dry red wine: 1/2 cup (120 ml). Chianti or Merlot works great.
- Crushed tomatoes: 28 oz (794g). San Marzano are the bee's knees if you can find them.
- Tomato sauce: 14 oz (397g).
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons .
- Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml).
- Bay leaf: 1 .
- Salt and pepper: To taste (don't be shy!).
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped, for garnish.
- Pasta: 1 lb (454g). Penne, rigatoni, or pappardelle are all good choices for this Italian beef pasta .
- Parmesan cheese: For serving (loads of it!).
Seasoning Notes: It's All About The Flavour
For this pasta ragu recipe , oregano and thyme are your base. They bring that classic Italian feel. Red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth.
Don't skip them! If you don't have red wine, a tablespoon of red wine vinegar will do in a pinch.
Fresh herbs always elevate the flavour. I honestly think beef recipes easy always have a secret ingredient and is fresh herbs!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. This is essential for the slow simmer.
- Large skillet (optional). Only if you prefer to brown the beef separately.
- Colander. For draining the pasta, obviously!
- Pasta pot.
- Chopping board.
- Sharp knife.
Honestly, you probably already have most of this stuff. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a large, heavy pot will do.
A normal frying pan will also work to brown the beef. Comfort food pasta recipes don't require fancy equipment!
Cooking Method: Slow Simmering Our Beef Pasta Recipes
Honestly, there’s nothing quite like a slow simmered ragu. It's total comfort food! It's all about the flavour, innit? Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
We're talking about the Beef Pasta Recipes that warms you from the inside out.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place is key. Dice your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince your garlic. Got it? Weigh out your 1.
5 lbs of ground beef. Having everything ready saves you loads of time and stress. Trust me, it's worth it.
And a word of caution, always wash your hands after handling raw meat!
step-by-step: Low and Slow Wins the Race
Right, let’s get cooking. Here’s how to nail this beef recipes easy :
- Brown that 1.5 lbs ground beef in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks in the same pot. About 5- 7 minutes , until softened.
- Stir in 4 minced cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a kick). Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in 1/2 cup dry red wine . Scrape up those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce by half.
- Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 14 oz tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, and 1 bay leaf . Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer, covered, on low heat for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 hours . Stir occasionally.
This method is a champion for Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner !
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Ragu
Want to take your Italian Beef Pasta to the next level? Add a splash of balsamic vinegar in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
It adds a lovely tang. Also, don't skimp on the simmering time. That's where the magic happens! Some chefs swear by a touch of milk for extra richness.
I sometimes add a Parmesan rind, for a real Pasta Ragu Recipe . Just remember to fish it out before serving.
This technique is absolutely phenomenal for red wine beef pasta .
One last thing: you can totally make this slow cooked beef ragu a day ahead! The flavours actually improve overnight.
Then, you are just a few steps away from the comfort food pasta recipes that are loved in any family friendly pasta dishes and ready for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
No more excuses!
Recipe Notes for the Best Beef Pasta Recipes Ever!
Right then, you've got the recipe for my Hearty Beef Pasta Recipes . Now, let’s chew the fat about some things.
Serving this Beef Pasta Recipes dish up beautifully, storing it like a pro, and tweaking it to your liking sorted! Honestly, these tips can elevate your Beef Recipes For Dinner .
Ace Serving Ideas
Plating is everything, isn't it? Pile that glorious ragu high on a plate of perfectly cooked pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan.
For presentation, think rustic charm. A simple white bowl lets the colours of the ragu shine. For sides, garlic bread is a MUST.
A crisp green salad adds a bit of freshness. A robust red wine, the same one you cooked with (if there's any left!), pairs perfectly with this italian beef pasta .
Storage Savvy
Right, so you've got leftovers! This Pasta Ragu Recipe keeps like a dream.
- Fridge: Let the ragu cool completely. Then, stick it in an airtight container and it’ll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Want to stash it away for longer? Freeze it! Again, cool it completely. Portion it into freezer safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Just gently reheat the ragu on the hob (that's the stovetop for you folks across the pond!) or in the microwave until piping hot. If it's a bit thick, add a splash of beef broth or pasta water to loosen it up. You know, the key to Comfort Food Pasta Recipes is making sure it's always ready.
Variations Galore!
Fancy a change? This ragu is pretty flexible.
- gluten-free: Simply use your favourite gluten-free pasta. Loads of great options available these days!
- Spicy Kick: Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce for a bit of heat. Honestly, it's proper tasty! You can also add some diced jalapenos to your slow cooked beef ragu .
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Okay, let's talk numbers, roughly. One serving is about 450-550 calories. You get a good hit of protein (30-35g). The healthy fats will be around 15-20g, and carbs will be about 40-50g.
There’s also 5-7g of fibre. I use ground beef, you can try ground lamb in your Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner ! This is an estimate! This recipe can be part of Beef Recipes Easy .
Enjoy experimenting with your beef pasta recipes ! This family friendly pasta dishes is pretty darn good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of beef is best for this beef pasta recipe? I'm after a proper flavour!
For the most flavourful beef pasta recipes, using ground chuck or sirloin is recommended. These cuts have a good balance of fat and meat, which renders down beautifully during the slow cooking process, creating a richer and more tender ragu. You can even ask your butcher to grind a specific cut for you!
Can I make this beef ragu ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! In fact, making the beef ragu a day or two in advance is highly recommended. The flavours meld together and deepen over time, making it even more delicious. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before tossing with the cooked pasta.
It's like a fine wine, it gets better with age (sort of!).
How can I make this beef pasta recipe healthier? I'm watching my waistline!
You can lighten this dish up a bit! Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) and trim off any excess fat after browning. You can also increase the amount of vegetables like carrots and celery to bulk it out. Whole wheat pasta is also a great shout for extra fiber and will keep you feeling fuller for longer.
My ragu is too watery! How do I thicken it up?
If your ragu is looking a bit thin, there are a few tricks you can try. First, remove the lid and let it simmer for a bit longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the ragu.
A little tomato paste or even a knob of butter can also help to thicken the sauce and add richness.
What's the best way to store leftover beef pasta? Can I freeze it?
Leftover beef pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly in a saucepan or microwave.
I don't have red wine; can I still make these beef pasta recipes? What can I substitute?
No problem at all if you're teetotal! While red wine adds a lovely depth of flavour, you can certainly substitute it. Beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar will provide a similar tang. You could also use a little grape juice in a pinch (but not too much, or it'll be sweet!).
Hearty Beef Red Wine Pasta Ragu
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
