The Ultimate One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty one pot beef ragu pasta that promises rich, mouthwatering flavors in every single bite.

Tender beef slowly simmers in a robust tomato sauce, creating a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

The magic happens when succulent meat breaks down into delectable, fork-tender morsels that coat each pasta strand perfectly.

Minimal dishes and maximum flavor define this straightforward culinary adventure.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with this simple yet impressive recipe.

A single pot stands between you and an incredibly delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this classic Italian-inspired comfort dish that delivers pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

Ingredients for Beef Ragu Pasta All in One Pot

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the ragu.
• Pasta: The perfect base for capturing the delicious sauce and creating a comforting meal.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the foundational sauce with a robust tomato flavor.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients build a deep, savory flavor base for the ragu.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds traditional Italian depth and complexity to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a smooth cooking base.
• Beef Broth: Adds additional depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil: Optional toppings that provide a fresh and tangy finish to the dish.

Directions for One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Drizzle olive oil into a large pot and set it over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, gently sautéing until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces.

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color, ensuring no pink remains.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Tomato paste
• Crushed tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning

Stir these components together, creating a robust and hearty sauce base that will infuse the entire dish with deep, complex flavors.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.

Add pasta directly into the sauce, cover the pot, and let it cook.

Occasionally stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Step 5: Season and Perfect

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to enhance the overall flavor profile of the ragu.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the steaming pasta to serving plates.

For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Hearty, Saucy One Pot Ragu Pasta

• Bloom tomato paste in the pot before adding other ingredients to intensify its rich, caramelized taste.
• Add pasta gradually and stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Use lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a lighter protein option without sacrificing taste.
• Replace dried Italian seasoning with fresh chopped herbs like oregano and thyme for a more vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to create a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Ragu Pasta Variations with Beef and Veggies

• Vegetarian Ragu: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like chickpea or rice pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for fresh oregano and thyme for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal that keeps all the rich sauce flavors.

Serving Ideas for Beef Ragu Pasta Bowls

• Rustic Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty beef ragu pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Cheese Lover's Paradise: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese generously and add a dollop of ricotta on top for creamy, rich texture that melts beautifully.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Accompany the dish with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Wine Companion: Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust flavors of the beef and tomato sauce.

Storage Solutions for Leftover Beef Ragu Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled ragu pasta to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm ragu in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently and heat until steaming hot throughout.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground pork, or ground chicken for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This one-pot beef ragu pasta reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick meals during the week.

• Do I need to drain the ground beef before adding other ingredients?

If your ground beef is very fatty, you can drain excess grease before adding tomato paste and other ingredients to reduce overall oiliness.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta – Savory and Satisfying

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-pot wonder eliminates multiple dishes and complex cooking steps, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy families.
• Boost Flavor in Minutes: The recipe combines rich ground beef, aromatic herbs, and hearty tomato sauce to create a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Pasta with a meaty sauce appeals to children and adults alike, transforming dinnertime into a crowd-pleasing experience without fussy ingredients.
• Minimal Cleanup Required: Using just a single pot means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and spend with loved ones after dinner.

One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian classic One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta delivers comfort straight from Tuscany’s kitchens. Rich slow-cooked beef melds with silky pasta, inviting you to savor each deeply satisfying spoonful of this rustic culinary embrace.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large carrot (finely diced)
• 1 stalk celery (finely diced)

Liquids and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces (794 grams) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) red wine (optional)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 0.5 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm the olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, gently sweating the onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it down and browning thoroughly for maximum flavor development, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, creating a rich base, then pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, sprinkling Italian seasoning for aromatic depth.
4. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then nestle uncooked pasta directly into the sauce, ensuring each piece is submerged.
5. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking for 10-12 minutes and stirring intermittently to prevent pasta from sticking.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
7. Remove from heat and let the ragu rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
8. Plate the pasta, generously garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, more flavorful sauce.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary alternatives that maintain the dish’s heartiness.
• Allow the ragu to simmer slowly, developing rich, deep flavors that blend beautifully with the pasta.
• Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the taste profile and add a vibrant, aromatic touch to the final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 466 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg