Slow-Cooked Rustic Beef Ragù with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef slowly simmered with regional root vegetables and herbs, resulting in a rich ragù perfect for comforting meals. This mediterranean-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, medium, diced carrots, medium, diced parsnip for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs cubed beef chuck in batches, browning all sides for 5-6 minutes per batch, then transfer browned beef to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large finely chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 1 diced parsnip, and 2 diced celery stalks; sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom, and simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Return the beef to the pot and add 2 cups beef broth, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  7. Step 7: Bring to a low simmer, cover partially with a lid, and cook on low heat for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Step 8: Remove rosemary and thyme sprigs before serving over your choice of pasta or creamy polenta.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Rustic Beef Ragù with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Slow-Cooked Rustic Beef Ragù with Root Vegetables?

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 medium, diced carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Rustic Beef Ragù with Root Vegetables?

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 Slow-Cooked Rustic Beef Ragù with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow-Cooked Rustic Beef Ragù with Root Vegetables?

Mediterranean 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.

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