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Introduction
Beef Ragu with Pappardelle is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and slow-simmered to perfection. Tender chunks of beef melt into a thick, flavorful tomato-based sauce that clings beautifully to wide ribbons of pappardelle. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or a special gathering, this dish delivers rustic elegance in every bite.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Rooted in Italian culinary tradition, beef ragu (or ragù di manzo) is a staple from regions like Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. It’s a cousin to the more widely known Bolognese, but instead of ground meat, it uses chunks of beef slowly braised until they fall apart. In Italy, ragu isn’t just a dish—it’s a celebration of time, patience, and family. Pappardelle, a broad, flat pasta, is the traditional pairing, designed to soak up the luxurious sauce.
Ingredients Quantity (Serves 6)
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound pappardelle pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Optional Additions
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat
- Stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth
- Substitute half the beef with ground pork for added richness
- Use fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for herbal complexity
- Finish with a dollop of ricotta or mascarpone cheese
Tips for Success
- Sear the beef well—browning adds rich flavor layers to the sauce
- Don’t rush the simmer—a low, slow cook ensures tender beef and thick sauce
- Deglaze properly with wine to lift browned bits and deepen the ragu’s taste
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for natural sweetness and acidity
- Cook the pasta al dente, then toss with the ragu to absorb flavor
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef chuck and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and sauce has thickened.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook pappardelle according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve ragu over pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Description
The finished dish is rich and hearty, with succulent beef that effortlessly falls apart into the silky tomato-wine sauce. The vegetables blend seamlessly into the ragu, creating depth, while the wide pappardelle noodles cradle every drop of this luxurious meal. It’s bold, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
(Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
Hearty Beef Ragu with Pappardelle is a dish that celebrates simplicity and tradition through slow cooking and quality ingredients. Perfect for Sunday dinners or cozy nights, it captures the soul of Italian cuisine—unpretentious, flavorful, and made to be shared.
Recommendation
Serve this ragu with a side of crusty garlic bread and a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette. For a full Italian-style meal, finish with a classic dessert like tiramisu or panna cotta.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To enjoy this rich dish with mindfulness:
- Trim visible fat from the beef before cooking
- Swap part of the pasta for spiralized zucchini or whole-grain options
- Use low-sodium broth and no-sugar-added tomatoes
- Limit portion size and balance with veggies on the plate
- Savor slowly—this dish is meant to be enjoyed with intention
You can enjoy the deep flavors of a traditional beef ragu while still aligning with health-conscious goals—it’s all about balance and satisfaction.
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