Classic Italian Pappardelle with Slow-Simmered Beef Ragu
Wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta served with a rich, slow-cooked beef ragu infused with tomatoes, red wine, and fresh herbs. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 160 minutes pairs pappardelle pasta, olive oil, beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 stalk celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 finely diced carrot, 1 finely diced celery stalk, and 1 finely diced yellow onion. Sauté for 7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then deglaze the pot with 1 cup dry red wine, scraping up browned bits.
- Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot, add 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.
- Step 5: Simmer the ragu gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pappardelle pasta and cook for 4-5 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Step 7: Toss the cooked pasta with the beef ragu, then serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Italian Pappardelle with Slow-Simmered Beef Ragu 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 Classic Italian Pappardelle with Slow-Simmered Beef Ragu?
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 pappardelle pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Italian Pappardelle with Slow-Simmered Beef Ragu?
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 Classic Italian Pappardelle with Slow-Simmered Beef Ragu 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 Classic Italian Pappardelle with Slow-Simmered Beef Ragu?
Italian beef 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.
