Hearty Beef Ragu with Pappardelle

Hearty Beef Ragu with Pappardelle: Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some proper comfy food ? This pasta dishes with ground beef recipe is a hug in a bowl! It's rich, it's flavourful, and honestly, it’s dead easy to make.

Brief Overview

This beef ragu hails from Italy, where nonnas have been perfecting it for generations. This version is easy enough for a weeknight, but tastes like you spent all day slaving over a hot stove.

It takes about 3 hours total to make and generously serves 6.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best thing? The flavour! This recipe delivers that proper umami punch. Perfect for a Sunday dinner with the family or a cosy night in.

The highlight is that this homemade bolognese recipe ground beef is way better than anything you can buy in a jar.

Ready to ditch the jarred stuff? You will love it!

From Humble Beginnings to Italian Feast

Let's talk ingredients. You'll need olive oil, obviously. Some finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery. We're making what the French call mirepoix or Soffritto in Italian.

Don't scrimp on these aromatics; they're the base of all good Italian pasta dishes with ground beef .

Next, a pound of good quality ground beef. Aim for around 80/20 fat. A proper dry red wine, a tin of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Don't forget your herbs and spices: dried oregano, dried basil, a bay leaf. Oh my gosh, is it already smelling divine?

Get Ready to Cook!

I remember once trying to rush the simmering time on a ragu. Big mistake! Seriously, don't do it. Low and slow is the key to unlocking all those complex flavours.

This beef ragu recipe pappardelle needs to simmer for at least 2.5 to 3 hours. Trust me, the patience pays off!

You'll also need a pound of pappardelle pasta those wide, ribbon like noodles are perfect for catching all that rich sauce.

And of course, Parmesan cheese for serving. I mean, who doesn't love a generous grating of Parmesan? Get your big Recipes To Make With Ground Beef and let's get started.

Don't Be a Spoon Waster!

Here's a tip: Taste as you go. Seriously, don't be shy. A little more salt? A pinch of sugar? Adjust it to your liking.

And for a bit of a kick, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Pasta Sauce From Scratch

Don't overcrowd the beef. If you're browning it in a skillet, do it in batches. And definitely reserve some pasta water before draining.

It's liquid gold. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta like a dream. This weeknight pasta dinner ground beef will become a family favourite.

It is also good with Shell Pasta With Ground Beef and Pasta Shells And Ground Beef Recipes.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you need to nail these pasta dishes with ground beef . Don't worry; it's all pretty straightforward.

We're making a Hearty Beef Ragu with Pappardelle, proper comfy food for a chilly evening. The key is quality, especially with the beef.

Main Ingredients for a banging Bolognese

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need for our beef ragu recipe pappardelle . I've used these measurements a million times. You'll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml )
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups , 225g )
• 2 carrots, finely chopped (about 1 cup , 150g )
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1 cup , 150g )
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef ( 450g ), 80/20 blend is your best bet
• 1/2 cup dry red wine ( 120 ml ), Chianti or Merlot
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes ( 794g )
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce ( 425g )
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 pound (450g) dried pappardelle pasta
• Salt for pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Quality is Key : Honestly, with the ground beef, go for the good stuff. An 80/20 blend means it has a bit of fat, which adds flavour and keeps it moist.

Trust me, it makes all the difference. This is one of those recipes to make with ground beef that really shines when you use quality ingredients.

Seasoning: The Secret Sauce (Literally!)

Seasoning is where the magic happens. We're aiming for that classic Italian flavour profile. We're going for Italian pasta dishes with ground beef after all!.

• Essential spice combinations : Oregano, basil, and a bay leaf are your base. Don't skip them!.
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics : Red pepper flakes for a bit of kick, garlic, and good quality red wine.
• Quick substitution options : No red wine? Beef broth will do in a pinch, even if a homemade bolognese recipe ground beef wouldn't use it.

Equipment: Keep it Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this weeknight pasta dinner ground beef . A good pot will do.

• Essential tools only : A large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. A pasta pot.
• Common household alternatives : Don't have a Dutch oven? Any big pot will work.

Hearty Beef Ragu with Pappardelle: Your New Comfy Food Staple

Oh my gosh, you have to try this recipe. Honestly, this Hearty Beef Ragu with Pappardelle isn't just any old pasta dishes with ground beef .

It's a hug in a bowl, a total game changer for those chilly evenings. It's proper tasty. This rustic, slow simmered wonder will transform your weeknight dinner game.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First things first, let's get our act together. The secret to stress free cooking is having everything prepped. Chop 1 large onion (225g), 2 carrots (150g), and 2 celery stalks (150g) nice and fine.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Grab your 1 pound (450g) of ground beef. Then, measure out 1/2 cup (120 ml) of red wine.

You know, Recipes To Make With Ground Beef like this need that je ne sais quoi .

The Simmer: Low and Slow Wins the Race

Now, here's where the magic happens.

1. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil for 8- 10 minutes until softened. Don't rush it!
2. Stir in the minced garlic for 1 minute.
3. Brown your ground beef. If it's a lot, do it in batches. This is key! Drain off excess grease.
4. Pour in that 1/2 cup (120 ml) of red wine and scrape up all those tasty browned bits.
5. Add 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes (794g), 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce (425g), 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy), 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer it all, covered, on low for 2.5- 3 hours , stirring occasionally. Told you it was comfy food!
7. Cook 1 pound (450g) of pappardelle until al dente. Remember to save some pasta water!
8. Toss the pasta with the ragu, adding pasta water for the perfect sauce consistency.

Pro Tips for a Cracking Ragu

Don't skip this section. Trust me! Low and slow simmering is non-negotiable. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes.

Also, Ground Beef Pasta Recipes Easy often skip this, but resist the urge to rush. Another top tip, Homemade Bolognese Recipe Ground Beef , is even better the next day.

make-ahead? Absolutely. Like a good curry, it gets even better with time.

Get that Bolognese Taste!

This dish is all about savoring the flavors! This is perfect for those looking for an easy weeknight pasta dinner ground beef that doesn't compromise on taste.

So go on, give this recipe a bash. I promise you won't regret it.

This recipe transforms easily into your favorite Shell Pasta With Ground Beef, or Beef Ragu Recipe Pappardelle simply by choosing another type of pasta!

Recipe Notes for Proper Pasta Dishes With Ground Beef

Right then, before you get cracking on these ground beef pasta recipes easy , a few quick bits and bobs to ensure your Hearty Beef Ragu with Pappardelle turns out spot on.

Think of this as your cheat sheet, alright?

Getting it on the Table: Serving Suggestions

Honestly, this Beef Ragu Recipe Pappardelle is so versatile. Plating wise, I like to pile it high on a big plate, proper family style.

Presentation is key you know?. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese? Chefs kiss!. A hunk of garlic bread is a must, I tell you, to mop up all that glorious sauce.

And a nice crisp green salad on the side is the bee's knees to balance out the richness. As for beverages, a glass of Chianti, or something like that, is never a bad shout!

Storing Your Grub: Storage Tips

If you've got leftovers, which I doubt you will, let the ragu cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . Wanna freeze it? No probs! It's brilliant. Just use a freezer safe container.

It'll be good for up to 3 months . Defrost it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, simmer gently on the stove or microwave until piping hot, at least 75° C .

You might need a splash of water to loosen it up.

Mixing it up: Variations

Fancy a twist on this comfort food? You got it! If you're watching the calories, use lean recipes to make with ground beef or even turkey mince.

For a veggie option, replace the beef with lentils or crumbled Quorn. Makes a decent hearty meal. Seasonal swaps? In the summer, chuck in some fresh basil and courgette.

Autumn? Add some mushrooms and a splash of sherry!

Understanding Your Fuel: Nutrition Basics

Alright, lets break it down. One serving of this Italian pasta dishes with ground beef beauty is around 550 calories.

You're looking at roughly 40g of protein, 25g of fat, and 55g of carbs. Don't forget it is just an estimation.

This dish is packed with protein, thanks to the beef, and offers a good dose of fibre from the tomatoes and veg.

Plus, you're getting some iron and other essential nutrients. Remember , it's all about balance!

So there you have it! A few extra bits to help you on your way to making the best homemade bolognese recipe ground beef you've ever tasted.

Don't be afraid to experiment, have a laugh, and most importantly, enjoy!

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight pasta dinner ground beef dish.