If you are craving a comforting and satisfying meal that brings the rich, savory flavors of Italy right to your table, this Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender ground beef simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce with perfectly cooked rigatoni, creating a luscious, hearty pasta experience. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, this recipe manages to deliver complexity and warmth without demanding endless hours in the kitchen, making it a go-to weeknight winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From fragrant aromatics to robust tomato products and fresh herbs, each item is essential to bringing this dish together perfectly.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that gives the ragu its rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta (or pasta of choice): Tubular pasta that captures the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape for variety.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps soften the aromatics without overpowering the dish.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Provides natural sweetness and a delicate onion depth that melds perfectly with the tomato sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for that aromatic punch that lifts the entire ragu.
- 1 carrot, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the sauce.
- 1 celery stalk, diced: Adds earthy undertones and a slight crunch when sautéed, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing body and that iconic tomato flavor.
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste: Concentrates the tomatoiness, lending thickness and depth to the ragu.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic herb that offers warmth and a hint of Mediterranean charm.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the oregano with fresh, sweet notes that brighten the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick for those who like a little heat without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 cup beef broth or water: Adds moisture and richness, helping the sauce develop its signature luscious texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant finishing touch that enhances the presentation and taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, salty layer of flavor when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it forms the flavor base for your ragu, releasing the sweet and savory notes that layer into the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Next, toss in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Cook these together for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften. This mix adds a gentle sweetness and slight crunch, enhancing the sauce’s texture and providing that classic ragu complexity.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it thoroughly until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This direct contact with heat caramelizes the beef’s flavor, making the ragu deeply savory and satisfying. If necessary, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce balanced.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper. Mixing these ingredients well lets the flavors marry beautifully as the sauce simmers.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the flavors meld together by cooking for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and capture the aromatic richness that defines a perfect ragu.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, prepare your rigatoni according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain the pasta but remember to save a little pasta water—it’s a secret ingredient to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your sauce has thickened and your pasta is perfectly al dente, mix them together in the pot. Use the reserved pasta water bit by bit to loosen the sauce if needed. This ensures a glossy coat that clings lovingly to every pasta piece.
Step 8: Final Heat Through
Give the combined pasta and sauce 2 to 3 minutes over gentle heat to warm everything thoroughly and allow the flavors to blend even more. This final step ensures your dish is served hot and full of comforting richness.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Dish out your Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe onto plates or bowls, and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. The fresh herbs brighten the dish visually and taste-wise, while the cheese adds that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley chopped finely not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a hint of herbaceous brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich beef sauce. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese if you want that salty, nutty complexity that melts perfectly into the pasta.
Side Dishes
This Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty garlic bread is another fantastic option—its crunch and irresistible buttery garlic flavors make a perfect companion for soaking up the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more rustic vibe, serve the pasta directly in shallow bowls topped generously with parsley and Parmesan. Alternatively, for a dinner party flair, you can twirl portions of pasta into neat nests and place a spoonful of ragu over the top, garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers for visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe tastes just as delicious the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the pasta and sauce combined to allow the flavors to develop further.
Freezing
You can freeze the ragu sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. It’s best to cook fresh pasta when serving to preserve texture.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta and sauce together in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. This method preserves the richness and prevents the pasta from drying out, keeping your Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe just as satisfying as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is fantastic for holding onto the sauce, feel free to use penne, pappardelle, or even spaghetti. The key is to choose a pasta shape that complements thick, hearty sauces.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
You can easily swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms to replicate the texture and earthiness of the ragu while keeping the richness intact. Just adjust seasoning to taste.
How spicy is this recipe if I include red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that lingers without overwhelming the overall flavor. You can always adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, making the sauce a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen beautifully. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Should I add Parmesan cheese during cooking or only at serving?
Parmesan is best sprinkled on top when serving to preserve its texture and flavor. Adding it during cooking can cause it to melt and integrate differently, altering the dish’s intended texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about this Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe—it’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and feel the comforting embrace of a well-made sauce wrapped around tender pasta. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or find a new favorite weeknight dinner, this recipe is a wonderful choice. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to meals for its simplicity, depth of flavor, and all-around deliciousness.
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Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings 1x
Description
This easy beef ragu pasta recipe is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring a rich, slow-simmered beef and tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked rigatoni. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
Tomato and Seasonings
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Brown the Beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in beef broth, then season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce. Use some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Heat Together: Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and cook together for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Serve the beef ragu pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a perfectly coated pasta.
- Leftover ragu tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- To keep this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
