Get ready for serious comfort food with this One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe—a dish that wraps up everything you love about a slow-simmered Italian pasta dinner, but makes it all happen in a single pot and in just about half an hour! Incredibly rich, savory, and satisfyingly creamy, it’s weeknight-friendly and packed with big, bold flavors thanks to hearty ground beef, aromatic veggies, a swirl of heavy cream, and a cheesy finish. The best part? You’ll only have one pot to clean, so you can focus on savoring every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how each simple ingredient comes together to create something deeply comforting, with layers of flavor and texture in every forkful. Every component plays its own special role—whether it’s a splash of cream for silkiness, or parmesan for that perfect cheesy finish.
- Olive oil: Provides a fragrant base for sautéing the onions and garlic, infusing the dish with Mediterranean flair.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth, essential for authentic ragu flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers a classic aromatic punch—fresh garlic makes all the difference!
- Ground beef: The star protein that creates the dish’s hearty, savory bite.
- Salt: Elevates and enhances all the natural flavors in the sauce and pasta.
- Black pepper: A touch of gentle heat and earthy aroma for balance.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds unmistakable Italian character.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a whisper of spicy kick—add to taste!
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and brings a gorgeous red color to your ragu.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Forms the lush, tomatoey backbone of the sauce.
- Beef broth: Infuses the sauce and pasta with deep, meaty undertones as it simmers.
- Uncooked pasta (rigatoni or penne): Holds the robust ragu sauce perfectly in every tube or curve.
- Heavy cream: Swirled in just at the end for a luxuriously silky finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts in for nutty, salty depth and irresistible cheesiness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced onion and let it cook gently until it’s soft and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and let that wonderful aroma bloom for another thirty seconds. This short step creates a flavor-packed foundation for your One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, add your ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and those optional red pepper flakes if you’re craving a bit of heat. Sauté the beef until it’s well browned and crumbled, about 5 to 6 minutes. This is where the ragu starts to develop those comforting, deeply savory notes.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, giving it a full minute to cook so it can caramelize slightly—this step really turbocharges the tomato flavor. Pour in your crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring everything together until it’s beautifully combined. The rich, aromatic base of your One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe is ready for pasta!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add your uncooked pasta straight into the pot—no need to boil water separately! Bring everything to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then so nothing sticks. As the pasta cooks, it soaks up all the luscious sauce and beefy flavors, thickening the ragu into a one-dish wonder.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Once your pasta is tender and the sauce has reduced to a beautiful consistency, swirl in the heavy cream along with the grated Parmesan. Leave the pot uncovered and let it gently bubble for two more minutes. The cream rounds out the tangy tomatoes and infuses velvety richness, while the Parmesan melts in to create the ultimate creamy ragu you’ll crave again and again.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon your piping hot One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe into bowls and shower each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This final touch adds garden-fresh brightness and a burst of vibrant color that makes your pasta truly inviting.
How to Serve One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped parsley is a must for brightness, but you can also add an extra grating of Parmesan or a handful of torn basil for even more color and flavor. If you love bold flavors, try a little drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top right before serving!
Side Dishes
The heartiness of this dish shines with sides that keep things simple and fresh. Offer a crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette, or roast some seasonal vegetables for an easy complement. A loaf of rustic bread or warm garlic knots are perfect for mopping up every last bit of the ragu sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, serve the One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe in individual mini cocottes or deep bowls. If you’re hosting a cozy family night, dish it straight from the pot at the table for a comforting, communal feel. Don’t be afraid to play with pasta shapes—shells, rotini, or even fusilli would all look and taste fantastic paired with this rich, chunky ragu.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe are a dream for lunch or a quick dinner the next day! Scoop cooled pasta into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and meld together even more, making for an even tastier meal when reheated.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture, so the sauce stays luscious and the pasta doesn’t get mushy.
Reheating
For individual servings, the microwave works well: just add a splash of extra broth or water before reheating to revive the sauce. On the stovetop, reheat gently over medium-low, stirring in a bit of cream, milk, or broth if you notice the sauce thickening too much. Either way, garnish freshly before serving to refresh the flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe with a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work beautifully. Just remember, sausage will add extra spices and a touch of heat—delicious if you want to mix things up!
What kind of pasta works best?
Short, sturdy shapes like rigatoni and penne are perfect because they hold the sauce well. But feel free to use your favorite, or what you have on hand—fusilli, shells, or rotini are all fantastic alternate picks.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply leave out the cream and use your preferred plant-based milk for creaminess, and substitute a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese if you’d like. The sauce is still wonderfully rich and flavorful!
Is it okay to add extra vegetables?
Definitely. Stir some chopped spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell pepper into the pot right after browning the beef. It’s a great way to boost color and nutrition in your One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe.
What’s the best way to double this One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe for a crowd?
Just use a larger pot and double all the ingredients—no need to change the steps! Give the pasta a little extra time if needed to cook through, and trust your taste buds to adjust the seasonings if you scale up.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the magic of a hearty, creamy pasta made (and cleaned up!) with just one pot. The One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe is destined to become your new comfort food favorite—easy enough for busy weeknights, but special enough to share with the people you love. Give it a try tonight and savor every spoonful!
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One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Beef Ragu Pasta recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The hearty beef ragu pairs perfectly with the creamy tomato sauce, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Beef Ragu:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
For the Pasta:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni or penne)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Ragu: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly. Brown ground beef with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in tomato paste.
- Cook the Pasta: Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth to the pot. Stir in uncooked pasta. Simmer until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer briefly. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider using Italian sausage or red wine.
- This dish reheats well and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
