Beef Ragu with Pappardelle

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Introduction

Beef Ragu with Pappardelle is a hearty and flavorful dish that features tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich tomato-based sauce, paired with wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta. This classic Italian comfort food is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deep, savory sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. It’s an indulgent meal that’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites, and with no alcohol or pork, it’s a Halal-friendly option for everyone.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a weekend feast, this Beef Ragu with Pappardelle will become your go-to comfort dish. It’s filling, flavorful, and satisfying, and it’s also easy to prepare in advance, making it an ideal dish for busy evenings.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Special occasions
• Meal prep
• Cozy nights in
• Halal-friendly gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Beef Ragu with Pappardelle will become one of your favorite dishes:

• Rich, Savory Flavor: The beef is simmered for hours to create a deeply savory, melt-in-your-mouth ragu sauce that’s full of flavor.
• Tender Beef: The slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender, practically falling apart as you fork through it.
• Hearty and Filling: This dish is both filling and comforting, making it perfect for satisfying large appetites.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe is completely free from pork, bacon, wine, or any alcohol, making it a great choice for those who follow a Halal diet.
• Perfectly Paired Pasta: Pappardelle, with its wide and flat noodles, is ideal for catching every bit of the rich ragu sauce, making each bite a complete delight.
• Make-Ahead Meal: Beef ragu is a dish that only gets better with time, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or preparing in advance.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-600 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Beef Ragu with Pappardelle:

• 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck roast or stew beef (cut into chunks)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for searing and cooking)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth (Halal-certified)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound (450g) pappardelle pasta (Halal-certified)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef Chuck Roast: Chuck roast is ideal for slow-cooking, as it becomes tender and flavorful after hours of simmering. This cut is both economical and perfect for making ragu.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The crushed tomatoes form the base of the ragu sauce, providing a rich, tomatoey flavor.
• Beef Broth: Halal-certified beef broth adds depth to the ragu without compromising on flavor. It enhances the beefy taste and makes the sauce even richer.
• Pappardelle: Pappardelle is a large, flat pasta that’s perfect for a thick, chunky ragu. Its wide surface area ensures each bite is filled with sauce.
• Herbs & Garlic: The combination of garlic, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves infuses the sauce with aromatic flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Beef Ragu with Pappardelle:

Prepare the Beef Ragu:

1. Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot in batches. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Then add the tomato paste, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and add the dried oregano, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Simmer the Beef: Return the browned beef to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially, and cook for 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
6. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the pot, and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Prepare the Pappardelle:

7. Cook the Pappardelle: While the ragu is finishing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 2-4 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
8. Combine Pasta and Ragu: Add the cooked pappardelle to the pot with the beef ragu. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. Allow the pasta to soak up some of the sauce for 1-2 minutes.

Serve the Beef Ragu with Pappardelle:

9. Plate and Serve: Divide the pappardelle among plates and spoon the beef ragu over the top. If desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.

How to Serve Beef Ragu with Pappardelle

Beef Ragu with Pappardelle can be served in several delightful ways:

• With Freshly Grated Parmesan: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan adds a creamy, salty contrast to the rich sauce.
• With a Side Salad: Pair the ragu with a simple green salad for a fresh balance to the hearty meal.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with toasted garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
• For Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a comforting and flavorful meal.

Additional Tips for Beef Ragu with Pappardelle

Here are some tips to make your Beef Ragu with Pappardelle even better:

• Slow Cook for Tenderness: The longer you cook the beef, the more tender and flavorful it will become. Don’t rush the simmering process—allow it to cook for a few hours for the best result.
• Use High-Quality Beef: For the best flavor, use a good-quality beef chuck roast or stew beef. Grass-fed or organic beef will provide even more depth to the ragu.
• Customize the Pasta: While pappardelle is traditional, you can also serve the ragu with other types of pasta, such as tagliatelle, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
• Make It Ahead: Beef ragu actually improves in flavor after a day or two, so feel free to make it in advance and refrigerate it. It will save you time and taste even better when reheated.

Recipe Variations for Beef Ragu with Pappardelle

Here are some variations you can try to personalize this dish:

• Vegetable Ragu: For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for mushrooms and hearty vegetables like eggplant and zucchini. Cook them slowly to develop a deep, umami-rich flavor.
• Spicy Ragu: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the ragu for an extra kick of heat.
• Lamb Ragu: Swap the beef for lamb to create a rich, gamey ragu that pairs beautifully with pappardelle.
• Pappardelle with Polenta: For a twist on the traditional, serve the ragu over creamy polenta instead of pasta for a comforting, gluten-free alternative.
• Tomato-Free Ragu: If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, you can create a white ragu by simmering the beef with onions, garlic, and beef broth, creating a more subtle sauce.

Freezing and Storage for Beef Ragu with Pappardelle

• Freezing: You can freeze the ragu without the pasta for up to 3 months. Let the ragu cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
• Storage: The ragu can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you have leftover pappardelle, store it separately and reheat it just before serving.

Special Equipment for Beef Ragu with Pappardelle

Here are some items that might come in handy when making this dish:

• Dutch Oven: A heavy-duty pot is perfect for slow cooking the beef and making the ragu sauce.
• Large Pot: You’ll need a large pot for boiling the pappardelle.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to chop the vegetables and cut the beef into chunks.
• Tongs: Tongs are useful for searing the beef and turning it in the pot.
• Wooden Spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon helps you stir the sauce without scratching the pot.

FAQ Section for Beef Ragu with Pappardelle

1. Can I use ground beef instead of beef chunks?
   Yes, you can use ground beef, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be different. Ground beef will cook faster and won’t have the same rich, tender texture as the chunks of beef.
2. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
   Yes, you can make the ragu in a slow cooker. After browning the beef and vegetables, add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
3. Can I use other pasta besides pappardelle?
   Yes, other types of pasta, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or tagliatelle, work well with this ragu.
4. Can I make this dish in advance?
   Absolutely! Beef ragu is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, the flavors develop and deepen after sitting for a day or two.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   The recipe is not gluten-free as it uses pappardelle pasta. However, you can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

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Conclusion

Beef Ragu with Pappardelle is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. With tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich tomato-based sauce, it pairs perfectly with wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta. This Halal-friendly recipe is easy to make, and it’s perfect for a family dinner or any special occasion. Whether served with freshly grated Parmesan, a side salad, or garlic bread, it’s a meal that will leave everyone satisfied and asking for seconds. Enjoy!