Description
This beef ragù delivers exceptional flavor with tender chunks of meat simmered slowly to perfection. It’s an ideal comfort food for family dinners or gatherings, featuring rich tomato sauce and fresh ingredients. Perfectly paired with pasta for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2–3 pounds chuck roast (cut into large chunks)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons high heat oil (such as avocado)
- 1 large brown onion (finely diced, about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 large carrots (finely diced, about 1 cup)
- 2 stalks celery (finely diced, about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced or crushed, about 2 tablespoons)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- Parmigiano Reggiano rind (optional but an excellent addition)
- 1 pound Pappardelle pasta
Instructions
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed enameled Dutch oven over medium-high heat and coat the bottom with oil.
- Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until soft and sweet.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits, and simmer until reduced by half.
- Return beef to the pot and add crushed tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and enough beef broth to cover the meat.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cover the pot, cooking on low heat for 2½–3½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove herb stems and bay leaf, shred the beef with two forks and mix into the sauce.
- Let the ragù rest for 15-30 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Boil pasta until just shy of al dente, then transfer to the ragù with some pasta water and toss gently.
Notes
For maximum flavor, let the ragù rest before serving.
Using a cast iron Dutch oven helps retain heat and evenly cook the beef.
Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
