Description
A rich, slow-braised beef ragù made with tender chuck roast, red wine, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Perfect for make-ahead meals, cozy dinners, and effortless hosting.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Ragù
- 2 1/2 pound beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- Coarse sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Pasta & Finish
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh pappardelle (or high-quality dried if preferred)
- 3/4 – 1 cup finely grated pecorino Romano
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
- Extra olive oil, for finishing
Instructions
Make the Ragù
- Pat beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until deeply browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 6 – 8 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Add garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1 – 2 minutes until fragrant and brick-red.
- Deglaze with red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until reduced by about half.
- Return beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and rosemary.
- Cover and simmer gently on low for 2 1/2 – 3 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Remove beef, shred finely, and return to the sauce. Discard rosemary.
- Simmer uncovered 15 – 20 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning.
Make the Pasta & Finish
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
- Cook pappardelle until just al dente.
- Transfer pasta directly into the ragù with a splash of pasta water.
- Toss gently over low heat until the sauce coats the pasta beautifully.
- Finish with olive oil and grated pecorino.
Make-Ahead & Service Notes
- Ragù can be made 1 – 2 days ahead (it improves with time).
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock if needed.
- Cook pasta fresh during service for the best texture.
Notes
- Ragù can be made up to 2 days ahead.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Finish with olive oil for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Slow Braising
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired


