Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this delicious ground beef ragu recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this easy recipe delivers rich, savory goodness that the whole family will adore. Forget complicated techniques and long cooking times; this homemade classic is surprisingly quick and easy to master, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this simple yet impressive dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a delicious foundation of flavor for your ragu.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. For a leaner ragu, you can drain more thoroughly.
Step 3: Simmer the Ragu
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious ground beef ragu over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ragu:
- Don't rush the simmering process: Allowing the ragu to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes develops a deep, complex flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any spice to suit your preference.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the ragu will taste.
- Add vegetables for extra nutrition: Consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it ahead: This ragu tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and reheat it before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy Ragu: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Meatless Ragu: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Creamy Ragu: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
This easy ground beef ragu recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals you can create with simple ingredients. It's a versatile dish perfect for quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking. Enjoy this classic, comforting dish, and don't hesitate to experiment with your own variations! It's a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort.