Are you looking for a delicious and hearty meal? Look no further than this authentic Italian ragu recipe made with beef. Ragu is a classic Italian meat sauce that is perfect for topping pasta, polenta, or even vegetables. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different spices and herbs.
Ingredients
For this ragu recipe beef, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 large onion, diced - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 2 carrots, diced - 1 cup of beef broth - 1 can of crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon of tomato paste - 1 tablespoon of dried oregano - 1 tablespoon of dried basil - 1 teaspoon of salt - 1 teaspoon of black pepper - 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. 3. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. 4. Remove the beef from the Dutch oven and set it aside on a plate. 5. Add the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots to the Dutch oven and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. 6. Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste to the Dutch oven, stirring to combine. 7. Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the Dutch oven, stirring to combine. 8. Return the beef to the Dutch oven and stir to combine with the sauce. 9. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. 10. Cook for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. 11. Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. 12. Serve the ragu over your favorite pasta, polenta, or vegetables.
Before you start cooking, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your Dutch oven is ready to go when you need it.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. This will add flavor to the dish and create a nice crust on the beef.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Remove the beef from the Dutch oven and set it aside on a plate. Add the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots to the Dutch oven and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. This will add flavor and texture to the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste to the Dutch oven, stirring to combine. This will create the base of the sauce.
Step 5: Add the Seasonings
Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the Dutch oven, stirring to combine. This will add flavor to the sauce and make it taste delicious.
Step 6: Return the Beef to the Dutch Oven
Return the beef to the Dutch oven and stir to combine with the sauce. This will make sure the beef is coated in the sauce and will cook evenly.
Step 7: Cook in the Oven
Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. This will ensure that the beef is cooked through and the sauce is flavorful.
Step 8: Let it Cool
Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. This will make sure that the dish is not too hot to eat and will allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the ragu over your favorite pasta, polenta, or vegetables. Enjoy this delicious and hearty meal with family and friends.
Tips and Tricks
- You can customize this ragu recipe beef to your liking by adding different spices and herbs. Try adding red pepper flakes for some heat or fresh rosemary for a unique flavor. - Make sure to use a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot for this recipe. This will ensure that the beef cooks evenly and the sauce does not burn. - If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. - Serve this ragu with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. - This ragu recipe beef can also be made in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and cook the vegetables in a pan, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.