Beef Ragu Recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle

I absolutely adore those recipes that make your kitchen smell incredible and deliver a truly satisfying meal. This beef ragu recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug for your whole family, filling your home with the rich, deep aroma of simmering tomatoes and tender beef. Busy parents and comfort food lovers, get ready for a dish that tastes like it simmered all day but comes together with surprising ease for a cozy family dinner.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients & Why They Matter)

The Heart of the Ragu

• Boneless Beef Chuck Roast: 2.5-3 lbs (1.1-1.4 kg). For tender, rich meat.
• Pappardelle Pasta: 1 lb (450g). Wide ribbons for sauce. (Use gluten-free for GF meals.)
• Crushed Tomatoes (Crimson Tomato variety): 28 oz (794g) can. Base for deep flavor in this comforting beef ragu recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle.
• Aromatics (Onion, Carrots, Celery): 1 large onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks (diced). Essential “soffritto” foundation.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Adds crucial depth.
• Red Wine (dry): 1 cup (240ml). Adds complexity, or use beef broth.
• Beef Broth: 3 cups (720ml). Deepens the sauce; I often use low-sodium.
• Olive Oil: 2 Tbsp (30ml). For searing and sautéing.

Flavor Boosters & Finishing Touches

• Fresh Rosemary & Thyme: 1 sprig rosemary, 3 sprigs thyme. Earthy, aromatic notes.
• Bay Leaves: 2 dried. Subtle depth for slow simmering.
• Parmesan Cheese (for serving): Grated, to taste. Salty, umami finish. (Plant-based alternative also works.)
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): ¼ cup (15g), chopped. Brightens the dish.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste. Essential seasoning.

Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes

• For easy high-protein meals: Add 1 cup cooked lentils or increase beef to 3.5 lbs for more protein.
• For gluten-free meals: Use gluten-free pappardelle or serve over spiralized zucchini noodles or polenta.
• Make it dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

How to Make beef ragu recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle Step by Step

Prep & Sear Your Beef (15 minutes)

1. Cut the chuck roast into roughly 2-inch pieces. Season generously with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper; ensure each piece is coated evenly.
2. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven on medium-high. Sear beef until browned (3-4 min/side) in batches; remove and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base (10 minutes)

1. Add another 1 Tbsp olive oil if needed, then sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened (5-7 minutes); they should smell sweet.
2. Stir in minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant; the kitchen will fill with an inviting aroma.

Deglaze & Simmer (2-3 hours)

1. Pour in 1 cup red wine (or beef broth), scraping up browned bits. Simmer until liquid reduces by half (about 5 minutes). Look for bubbling.
2. Return the seared beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, 3 cups beef broth, and bay leaves. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, until beef is fork-tender. Stir occasionally. If sauce looks dry, add ¼ cup more beef broth.

I often make this hearty beef ragu recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle on a Sunday afternoon, letting it gently bubble away on the back burner for a truly rich flavor.

Shred & Finish the Ragu (15 minutes)

1. Remove bay leaves. Take beef out and shred with two forks. Return shredded beef to the pot.
2. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly; it should “coat the spoon.”

Cook Pappardelle & Serve

1. While ragu finishes, cook pappardelle according to package directions until al dente; it should be tender but with a slight bite.
2. Serve generous portions of the hot beef ragu recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle over pasta, garnished with parsley and Parmesan.

Quick Swaps & Troubleshooting

• Ragu too thin? Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring, until it thickens.
• Ragu too thick? Add 1-2 Tbsp beef broth or pasta water until desired consistency.
• No red wine? Use extra beef broth and ½ tsp balsamic vinegar for tang in this beef ragu recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle.
• Can use a slow cooker: Sear beef/aromatics, then cook on low 6-8 hours until tender. Ideal for meal prep recipes.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Everyday Meals & Meal Prep

• Family meal prep ideas: Prepare a large batch on Sunday for simple weeknight meals. It freezes beautifully.
• Weeknight comfort: A truly satisfying dinner after a busy day.
• Leftover magic: Flavors meld further, often tasting even better the next day.

Special Occasions & Gatherings

• Impress guests: This rich beef ragu recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for dinner parties.
• Holiday feasts: A hearty, memorable alternative to traditional roasts.

Perfect Pairings

• Sides: Serve with crusty garlic bread and a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Toppings: Extra grated Parmesan, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or fresh basil leaves.
• Drinks: A medium-bodied red wine, or refreshing sparkling water with lemon.

Nutrition & Everyday Wellness with beef ragu recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle

A Balanced & Hearty Meal

• Provides high-quality protein from beef, essential for muscle health and satiety, great for easy high-protein meals.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from tomatoes and vegetables, supporting overall wellness.
• Carbohydrates from pappardelle offer sustained energy, making this a healthy recipe for dinner that truly satisfies.

Key Benefits for Your Family

• Sustained Energy: Wholesome ingredients keep everyone full and focused.
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with essential nutrients in every delicious bite.
• Family Favorite: A comforting meal everyone will love, making healthy eating enjoyable.
• Hearty & Wholesome: A truly nourishing dish that feels like a treat but is good for you.

How This Recipe Solves Common Needs

Budget-Friendly & Convenient

• Utilizes affordable cuts of beef that transform into a luxurious dish.
• Ideal for family meal prep ideas, saving precious time during busy weeks.
• Offers one-pot potential, especially when using a slow cooker for simmering, minimizing cleanup.

Healthier Comfort Food

• Control ingredients for a healthier twist on a classic comfort food.
• Easily adaptable for dietary needs, making it versatile for any table.

Expert Pointers and Smart Variations

Flavor & Texture Tricks

• Low and slow is key: Don’t rush the simmering process for truly tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
• Bloom your spices: Sautéing dried herbs like rosemary and thyme with garlic enhances their aromatic depth.
• Rest the sauce: Allowing the ragu to sit for 15-30 minutes off the heat deepens its overall flavor profile.

Family-Friendly Adjustments

• Kid-friendly: Shred the beef very finely for picky eaters, or serve with smaller pasta shapes like penne.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle, warming kick.

Allergy & Diet Swaps

• Gluten-free meal: Use gluten-free pasta or serve the ragu over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.
• Dairy-free: Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a nutritional yeast substitute for a cheesy flavor.

Common Questions About beef ragu recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle

“Can I freeze beef ragu recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle for later?”

Absolutely! This beef ragu freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I always have a container of this in my freezer for emergency dinners! Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

“What’s the healthiest way to make this beef ragu recipe?”

For a healthier twist, opt for lean beef chuck and load up on extra vegetables in your soffritto. Consider whole wheat pappardelle or serve the delicious beef ragu over spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

“Which ingredients are best for meal prepping beef ragu recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle?”

Cook the beef ragu completely and allow it to cool before storing. For best results, store the ragu separately from cooked pasta to avoid sogginess. Reheat both components and combine just before serving for fresh-tasting family meals.

“Can I make this beef ragu recipe in a slow cooker?”

Yes, you certainly can! After searing the beef and building the soffritto on the stovetop as instructed, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds.

“How long does beef ragu last in the fridge?”

Stored in an airtight container, your beef ragu will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen and meld, making it perfect for quick meals.

This beef ragu recipe Crimson Tomato-Braised Pappardelle proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated, delivering a hearty, satisfying, and easy dish for family dinners. Pin this recipe now for healthy eating and quick meals, ensuring this family-friendly favorite is always within reach!

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