If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup, look no further than this One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without the hassle, this dish combines savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomatoes into a flavorful sauce that coats tender pasta perfectly. Read on to discover how to create this mouthwatering meal in just one pot!

What is Beef Ragu Pasta?
Beef Ragu Pasta is a classic Italian dish featuring a robust meat sauce made from ground beef, vegetables, and tomatoes. Traditionally, ragu is slow-cooked for hours to develop deep, rich flavors, but this one-pot version offers a quicker, yet equally delicious alternative. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that it all comes together in a single pot, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients List for One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta
Here's a comprehensive list of everything you'll need to make this delightful One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta:
- 1 pound ground beef: This forms the base of your ragu, providing a rich and savory flavor.
- 1 large onion (chopped): Onions add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 medium carrot (chopped): Carrots contribute a subtle sweetness and texture.
- 1 stalk celery (chopped): Celery adds a slight bitterness that balances the flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings a robust aroma and taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped): Oregano infuses the dish with a classic Italian herb flavor.
- ½ cup red wine: Red wine adds complexity and enhances the sauce’s depth.
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium or no sodium added): Beef broth intensifies the meaty flavor of the ragu.
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes: Tomatoes provide the essential base for the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Pepper adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- 1 pound fettuccine (uncooked, or pasta of your choice): Fettuccine or any long pasta will work beautifully.
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium): Vegetable broth is used to cook the pasta directly in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped, for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Parmesan cheese (grated, for serving): Parmesan provides a salty, nutty finishing touch.
Substitutions and Variations
Flexibility is key in any great recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Meat Alternatives: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
- Pasta Options: Use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or any pasta shape you have on hand.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Creating this dish is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta:

- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by chopping the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic and set all the vegetables aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic and oregano, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer until reduced by half.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Stir in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked fettuccine and vegetable broth to the pot. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 12-15 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in chopped parsley and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
How to Cook One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and chop the vegetables. This ensures you can add everything quickly when needed.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In your pot, cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink. This process develops the base flavor for your ragu.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until they soften, then add garlic and oregano for a minute.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the red wine, allowing it to simmer and reduce. This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor.
Step 5: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Stir in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta and vegetable broth. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged. Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Stir in the parsley and adjust seasoning if needed. Your One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta is ready to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Browning the Beef Properly: Browning the beef adds depth to the flavor. Don’t rush this step.
- Overcrowding the Pot: Ensure your pot is large enough to allow all ingredients to cook evenly.
- Not Deglazing: Skipping the deglazing step with wine can result in a less flavorful sauce.
- Undercooking or Overcooking the Pasta: Monitor the pasta closely to ensure it’s cooked to al dente perfection.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving this dish attractively enhances the dining experience. Here are some tips:
- Use Fresh Garnishes: Fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve with Parmesan: A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese elevates the dish.
- Plate Neatly: Use tongs to twirl the pasta into nests on each plate for an elegant presentation.
How to Serve One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta
- Family Style: Serve directly from the pot at the table for a cozy, family-style meal.
- Individual Plates: Plate the pasta individually, topping each serving with sauce, parsley, and Parmesan.
- Accompaniments: Serve with a side salad and crusty bread to round out the meal.
Presentation Ideas for One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta
- Rustic Look: Serve in a large, rustic bowl with a ladle.
- Elegant Plating: Twirl pasta into nests on each plate, top with sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
- Serving Platter: Arrange pasta on a large serving platter with sauce spooned over the top and garnished with fresh herbs.
One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables in advance to save time.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality beef and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Simmering Time: Allow enough simmering time for the flavors to meld together.
- Stir Often: Stir the pasta frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the ragu sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the pasta and broth, and cook until the pasta is done.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove, adding a bit of broth if necessary.
Q: What can I use instead of red wine? A: You can use additional beef broth, vegetable broth, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? A: Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q: Can I use different types of pasta? A: Certainly! Any pasta shape will work, though cooking times may vary.
Conclusion
This One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe is a perfect blend of convenience and flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have a delicious, comforting meal on the table with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a hearty, homemade meal that's sure to impress!
PrintOne Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
This One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. With tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, this pasta dish is cooked to perfection in just one pot. Keywords: beef ragu, one pot pasta, easy dinner recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped)
- ½ cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium or no sodium added)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 pound fettuccine (uncooked, or pasta of your choice)
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in dried oregano and red wine, cooking until wine is reduced by half.
- Add beef broth, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in uncooked fettuccine and vegetable broth. Cover and cook until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened, about 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use fresh oregano for a more vibrant flavor.
- Substitute any pasta of your choice if fettuccine is unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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