Beef Ragu

Beef ragu is a warm and comforting dish that brings a little taste of home to your table. This dish offers tender beef, rich flavors, and a satisfying sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or crusty bread. It’s an easy recipe that fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Why You Will Love This Beef Ragu

This beef ragu is an ideal recipe for everyone. It’s simple to make, uses basic ingredients, and results in a dish that is rich and delicious. You can let it cook slowly, which makes it perfect for busy days. It’s also great for sharing with family and friends, as everyone loves a hearty plate of beef ragu.

How to Make Beef Ragu

Making beef ragu is quite straightforward. You’ll start by browning the beef, which gives it a lovely, golden color. Then, you’ll add in soft vegetables and a mixture of flavorful liquids. This is a dish that benefits from time, so slow cooking helps all the flavors blend beautifully together.

What You Need

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides.
2. Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, and thyme.
4. Return the beef to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer everything to a slow cooker or oven-safe pot. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours. If using an oven, cover and cook at 325°F (163°C) for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

How to Serve Beef Ragu

Beef ragu is delicious served over pasta, like tagliatelle or pappardelle. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad on the side pairs well, adding freshness to your meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you want something comforting at the end of the day.

How to Store Beef Ragu

To keep your beef ragu fresh, let it cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can last for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.

Recipe Tips

• Brown the beef well for extra flavor.
• Use a good quality wine for the best taste.
• Let the ragu sit for a few minutes after cooking to deepen the flavors.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Serve with freshly grated Parmesan for a creamy touch.

Variations & Swaps

• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• For Kids: Omit wine and add extra broth to keep it kid-friendly.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils for a veggie ragu.

FAQs

Can I make this beef ragu ahead of time?
Yes! This ragu tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Is it okay to freeze leftover ragu?
Absolutely! Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with beef ragu?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.

Can I substitute the beef?
You can use pork or even turkey, but cooking times may vary.

What’s the best way to reheat the ragu?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Beef Ragu

A warm and comforting beef ragu that pairs perfectly with pasta or crusty bread, filled with rich flavors and a satisfying sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks Use a good quality cut for better flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the beef.
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup red wine Use a good quality wine for the best taste.
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• to taste salt and pepper
• for garnish fresh basil Optional

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides.
• Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened.

Cooking

• Stir in the diced tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, and thyme.
• Return the beef to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer everything to a slow cooker or oven-safe pot. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours. If using an oven, cover and cook at 325°F (163°C) for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

Serving

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Let the ragu sit for a few minutes after cooking to deepen the flavors. Brown the beef well for extra flavor. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan for a creamy touch.

Keyword Beef Ragu, comfort food, family meal, Hearty Dinner, Slow Cooker Recipe