Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients and easy steps for a hearty, homemade meal
- Rich and savory sauce with layers of flavor from herbs and vegetables
- Perfectly balanced with a hint of spice (optional)
- Flexible pasta choice—use rigatoni or your favorite pasta shape
- Great for meal prep and leftovers reheat beautifully
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground beef
12 ounces rigatoni pasta (or pasta of choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
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 for heat)
1 cup beef broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
- 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.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Bring sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to let flavors meld.
- Meanwhile, cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Once sauce thickens and pasta is al dente, combine pasta with sauce in the pot. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir to coat pasta evenly and cook together for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the vegetables for extra texture.
- Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano if available for brighter flavor.
- Top with fresh mozzarella or ricotta for a creamy finish.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work well with beef ragu.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and sauté vegetables first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste or omitted for no heat.
Can I freeze leftover beef ragu?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
Water or vegetable broth can be used as substitutes.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
Simmer it uncovered a little longer or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
This Easy Beef Ragu Pasta combines hearty ground beef with a rich tomato sauce and tender pasta for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy nights or anytime you crave a satisfying Italian-inspired dinner.
Print
Easy Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Easy Beef Ragu Pasta is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender ground beef simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs in a rich tomato sauce, served over your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
12 ounces rigatoni pasta (or pasta of choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
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)
1 cup beef broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
- 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.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Bring sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to let flavors meld.
- Meanwhile, cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Once sauce thickens and pasta is al dente, combine pasta with sauce in the pot. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir to coat pasta evenly and cook together for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavor.
Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the vegetables for extra texture.
Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano for brighter flavor.
Stir in a splash of red wine when adding tomatoes for depth.
Top with fresh mozzarella or ricotta for a creamy finish.
Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
