Description
This rich and hearty Beef Ragu Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with a rustic Italian dinner. With savory ground beef, garlic, herbs, and a tomato-based sauce clinging to every piece of rigatoni, it’s a satisfying and easy dinner recipe that’s great for batch cooking or meal prep. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a hearty weeknight pasta, or a comforting food idea, this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Pour in red wine to deglaze the pan (if using), scraping up brown bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
8. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss with a splash of pasta water to coat.
9. Stir in parsley if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with grated Parmesan.
Notes
Brown the beef well — caramelization adds a ton of depth to the sauce.
Don’t forget to reserve pasta water — it’s key for silky sauce.
The sauce freezes beautifully — make extra for future dinners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef ragu, easy dinner, pasta recipe, hearty meal, comfort food