This Easy Italian Beef Ragu is rich, hearty, and downright comforting! With tender beef simmered in tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, it’s perfect over pasta or polenta.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is the base for sautéing your vegetables. I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but any vegetable oil will work. You could also use butter for a different taste.
Ground Beef: While I use ground beef for ease, you can also use beef chuck, which gives a heartier texture. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or even lentils for a plant-based version.
Red Wine: This is optional but adds depth. If you prefer not to use it, beef broth or extra crushed tomatoes can replace it. A splash of vinegar can mimic the acidity and enhance flavors too!
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are key for a rich sauce. If you’re short on tomatoes, diced tomatoes or tomato puree could work. Fresh tomatoes can also be used, just chop and cook down longer.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor for My Ragu?
Getting the flavors just right in your ragu involves a few essential techniques. First, sauté your veggies well! Make sure they’re soft and slightly caramelized. This adds sweetness to your sauce.
- Brown the meat thoroughly. This brings out the meat’s flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
- Don’t rush the simmering! Allowing your ragu to cook low and slow for at least 45 minutes lets all the flavors meld beautifully.
- Taste regularly! Adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
By paying attention to these steps, you’ll have a delicious and comforting ragu everyone will love!
How to Make Easy Italian Beef Ragu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or beef chuck, finely chopped)
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water (as needed)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooked pasta or polenta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Italian Beef Ragu will take about 15 minutes for preparation and then about 1 hour for cooking to let the flavors develop beautifully. So overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook these for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onion turns translucent. This will create a flavorful base for your ragu!
2. Add Garlic:
Once the veggies are softened, add the minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
3. Brown the Meat:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. You’ll want it to brown all over, which should take about 8-10 minutes. If you opted for beef chuck, let it cook until it’s tender and browned.
4. Deglaze with Wine:
If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce by half.
5. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), sugar, and season with salt and black pepper. This is what gives your ragu that rich flavor!
6. Simmer the Ragu:
Reduce the heat to low and let the ragu simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. If you find the sauce getting too thick, feel free to add some beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give your sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
8. Serve Your Ragu:
Once your ragu is delicious and ready, serve it hot over cooked pasta or creamy polenta. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like!
Enjoy your comforting Easy Italian Beef Ragu dinner!
FAQ for Easy Italian Beef Ragu
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that it may require a bit of added seasoning for flavor, as it has a milder taste than beef. You can also add an extra splash of olive oil to keep it moist.
How Can I Make This Ragu Vegetarian?
If you’d like a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add a mix of finely chopped vegetables for a hearty texture.
Can I Prepare This Ragu in Advance?
Yes! This ragu can be made ahead of time. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
What Should I Serve with Italian Beef Ragu?
This ragu pairs wonderfully with pasta, polenta, or even crusty bread. You can also serve it over a bed of zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Add a simple green salad on the side for a complete meal!
