If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful, you have to try this Simple Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. Each bite bursts with layers of savory goodness, while the fresh herbs and spices bring the whole dish to life. Whether you’re cooking for your family or have friends over, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between effortless preparation and restaurant-quality taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Simple Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each selected to build a deliciously balanced flavor profile. These essentials work together to create the perfect sauce texture, aromatic hints, and a satisfying mouthfeel that complements your pasta beautifully.
- 10 oz pasta (I use Barilla Penne): Penne holds the sauce wonderfully, making every forkful burst with flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A simple fat that helps caramelize the beef, adding depth to the sauce.
- 1.25 lb ground beef (80/20 blend): This ratio keeps your ragu juicy and flavorful without being too greasy.
- 1/2 onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves: Essential for that unmistakable Italian flavor kick.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the sauce that classic herbal bouquet.
- 1.5 tbsp bouillon (roasted beef base recommended): Gives the ragu an intense, meaty backbone and umami punch.
- 15 oz marinara sauce: Provides a vibrant tomato base that keeps the sauce fresh and tangy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warming spice.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Optional, but fantastic for a subtle heat that wakes up your palate.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan: Melted over the top, it adds creamy richness and savory notes.
- 1 tbsp parsley: A fresh herbal lift to finish the dish, adding a lovely green vibrance and flavor.
How to Make Simple Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and brown the beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dice your onion and mince the garlic, then add them to the pan once the oil is hot. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant—this sets the flavorful foundation for your ragu. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned and starting to caramelize. Getting this step right is crucial for a deep, rich sauce.
Step 2: Season and simmer the sauce
Now sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, bouillon, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together so the spices meld perfectly with the beef. Pour in your marinara sauce, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. This simmering time is where the Simple Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe truly comes to life—letting all those flavors blend and thicken for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the pasta
While your ragu is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente—usually a minute or two less than the package instructions suggest. This ensures your pasta won’t be mushy when paired with the rich sauce. Once cooked, drain your pasta, reserving a little pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 4: Combine and finish with cheese and parsley
Stir your drained pasta gently into the simmering beef ragu, allowing every piece to get coated in that luscious sauce. Toss in the freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley, mixing until the cheese melts beautifully and the herbs infuse the dish with freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is the moment your Simple Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe truly becomes unforgettable.
How to Serve Simple Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Simple Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe even more, sprinkle extra parmesan on top along with freshly cracked black pepper. A few basil leaves or more parsley will add color and freshness. If you love a little heat, more red pepper flakes can be sprinkled over for a subtle kick that wakes up the taste buds.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. For a well-rounded meal, some roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus bring an ideal earthy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large rustic bowl for a cozy vibe, or plate individual portions topped with cheese and herbs for a refined touch. For gatherings, try layering the pasta and ragu in mini serving dishes with a sprinkle of parmesan on top for easy, beautiful presentations everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Simple Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe keeps extremely well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save your ragu for even longer, it freezes beautifully. Store the sauce and pasta separately if possible, or mix them together in a freezer-safe container. When properly sealed, they’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer, ready for effortless reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, warm the pasta and sauce on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen as this can make the pasta mushy; thaw in the fridge overnight if possible for a better result.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Simple Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully to catch the sauce, feel free to swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. The key is choosing a pasta with some texture or shape to hold the ragu well.
Is it possible to make this recipe without ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Keep in mind the cooking times might vary slightly, but the core flavors remain delicious with the same seasoning and sauce approach.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! In fact, this Simple Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe tastes even better when the sauce has had time to rest and develop. You can make the sauce a day before and gently reheat it when ready to serve.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe as written is mildly spicy thanks to the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount based on your heat preference or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
What’s the best way to grate parmesan?
For the creamiest melt and best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan from a wedge or block rather than pre-grated. A microplane or fine grater works great to achieve the perfect texture for your pasta topping.
Final Thoughts
Making this Simple Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe is like treating yourself to pure comfort on a plate without any fuss. From the first fragrant sizzle to the cheesy, herb-topped final bite, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it, share with those you love, and make some delicious memories around the dinner table.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Simple Beef Ragu Pasta is a quick and hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef simmers with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning in a rich marinara sauce, then tossed with penne pasta and topped with freshly grated Parmesan for a creamy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting meal balances robust flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 10 oz Barilla Penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.25 lb ground beef (80/20 mix)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1.5 tbsp Better Than Bouillon roasted beef base
- 15 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Garnish
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the beef: Stir in Italian seasoning, roasted beef bouillon base, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Add marinara sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the beef ragu sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
- If the sauce thickens too much, use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Ground beef 80/20 mix balances flavor and moisture, but leaner or fattier options can be used based on preference.
- Adjust red pepper flakes amount to control the spice level.
- Better Than Bouillon roasted beef base enhances depth, but beef broth or stock can be substituted.
