Quick and Easy Pappardelle with Beef Ragu : The Ultimate Comfort Food

Name: Quick and Easy Pappardelle with Beef Ragu
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400g pappardelle pasta; 500g beef chuck or brisket, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 medium onion, chopped finely; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, roughly chopped; 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped; 800g crushed tomatoes; 500ml beef broth; 240ml red wine (dry); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 bay leaves; 1 sprig thyme; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Parmesan cheese, for serving

Posted on November 22, 2025

pappardelle pasta topped with rich beef ragu

Protein

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This delicious Pappardelle with Beef Ragu comes together in about 2-3 hours (don’t worry, most of that is hands-off time) all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the vegetables or meat to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends, you’ll be amazed at how flexible it can be!

Ingredient Breakdown

Pappardelle Pasta
Beef
Onion
Garlic
Carrot & Celery
Crushed Tomatoes
Beef Broth
Red Wine
Olive Oil
Bay Leaves & Thyme
Salt & Pepper
Parmesan Cheese

ingredients for pappardelle with beef ragu

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Give it a good stir and sauté until the onion turns translucent and the veggies soften, about 5-7 minutes. The smell? Amazing!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Now, add your beef to the pot and turn the heat up a little. Cook until it’s browned on all sides, making sure to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom, that’s where the good stuff is! This will take about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Let’s get some red wine in there! Pour in about 1 cup, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift those delicious brown bits. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce a bit.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasoning

Time to stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, aim for around 2 cups of beef broth. Toss in the bay leaves, thyme, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper! Bring this all to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 2-3 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender. You might need to give it a stir occasionally to keep things moving along.

Step 5: Cook the Pappardelle

When you’re about 30 minutes from serving, cook your pappardelle according to package instructions. Drain it when it’s al dente and set it aside. A little tip? Add a touch of olive oil to the pasta to keep it from sticking together.

Step 6: Shred the Beef

Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the sauce and give everything a good stir. The sauce will be beautifully thickened at this point.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Serve your incredible beef ragu over the pappardelle and finish it with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of good olive oil here wouldn’t hurt either!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m craving something soul-soothing and cozy. Nothing beats a comforting bowl of pasta on a chilly night, am I right? I’m a real sucker for how easily it all comes together, especially since it allows me some time to catch up on life while the sauce simmers oh, and the smell wafting through my house is pure bliss! Plus, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand and make it truly your own. It’s adaptable, comforting, and a family favorite, what more do you need?

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, my Hobo Casserole, or my Easy Tennessee Onions!

Why This Recipe Works

Comfort Food

This Pappardelle with Beef Ragu is loaded with tons of flavor. It’s the definition of comfort food, combining tender meat, rich sauce, and creamy Parmesan cheese that makes every bite feel like a warm hug!

One Pot Wonder

The best part is that this dish comes together all in one pot! That means minimal cleanup at the end of a busy day, perfect for the weeknight grind!

Crowd-Pleaser

This recipe will become a crowd-pleaser in your house! It’s hearty, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. Even picky eaters in your family will be asking for seconds!

Customizable

You can use whatever ingredients you have! Swap in different vegetables, use leftover roast beef instead of chuck, or even mix in some mushrooms if you’ve got those on hand. The ragu is so versatile, making it a great option for using up odds and ends in the fridge.

Make Ahead Friendly

Want to meal prep for the week? This ragu keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days, and it freezes like a dream! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and you can enjoy it anytime.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this Pappardelle with Beef Ragu with a side of garlic bread and a light salad, definitely a family meal that feels like you’re dining out! You could also pair it with some roasted veggies for a complete experience.

How Long It Keeps

This dish will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container, and you’re all set!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, you can either microwave it in a bowl or warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a touch of beef broth or water to loosen it up again. Just be careful not to scorch it!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! This ragu is freezer-friendly. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

And there you have it my warm and inviting Pappardelle with Beef Ragu! I hope this dish brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Now grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! Enjoy!

Remember, cooking is all about bringing people together, and what better way to do that than with a hearty bowl of pasta? Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.