Authentic Slow-Braised Beef Ragu with Fresh Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A true Italian nonna-style ragu made with a 2-hour slow simmer of beef and pork, infused with tomatoes and herbs, served over freshly made pasta. The authentic technique develops rich, deep flavors without overpowering the meat. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 160 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, tomato passata for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 140 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, cook 300g ground beef and 200g ground pork, breaking up clumps, until browned (8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, cook 1/2 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup diced onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves until vegetables are soft and onions are translucent (8 minutes).
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup dry red wine and simmer until reduced by half (3 minutes). Return browned meat to pot, add 1 cup tomato passata, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: While ragu simmers, prepare 500g fresh pasta dough into thin sheets, then cut into 1/4-inch wide strands. Boil in salted water until al dente (2 minutes), then drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot pasta topped with 1.5 cups ragu sauce, extra basil for garnish, and a sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Slow-Braised Beef Ragu with Fresh Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 160 minutes (20 min prep + 140 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Slow-Braised Beef Ragu with Fresh Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Slow-Braised Beef Ragu with Fresh Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Slow-Braised Beef Ragu with Fresh Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Slow-Braised Beef Ragu with Fresh Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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