Beef or Pork Ragu With Pasta

Here’s a delicious recipe for Beef or Pork Ragu, a rich and hearty slow-cooked sauce that’s perfect when served over pasta or mashed potatoes.

​The ragu itself has a deep, reddish hue, complemented by a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley on top, offering a touch of brightness. The rustic setting in the background features a wooden table, enhancing the homey, comforting vibe of the meal. A glass of red wine is subtly placed beside the plate, evoking a warm, cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed dinner. The overall ambiance highlights the richness of the flavors and the satisfying nature of this slow-cooked dish.

​Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck or pork shoulder (cut into large chunks)
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1 large onion (diced)
  
• 2 carrots (diced)
  
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
  
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  
• 1 cup red wine (or beef broth for a non-alcoholic version)
  
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
  
• 1 bay leaf
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
  
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
  
• Pasta (like pappardelle, rigatoni, or fettuccine) or mashed potatoes (for serving)
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat:
   
   • Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
     
   • Season the beef or pork with salt and pepper, and brown the meat in batches until it's deeply caramelized on all sides (about 8–10 minutes). Remove the meat and set it aside.
     
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   
   • In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
     
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
     
3. Deglaze with Wine:
   
   • Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to cook down for about 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly.
     
4. Add the Tomatoes and Herbs:
   
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
     
   • Return the browned meat to the pot. Add enough water or broth to just cover the meat.
     
5. Slow Cook the Ragu:
   
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook slowly for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The meat should become tender and fall apart easily.
     
   • If the sauce reduces too much, add a bit of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.
     
6. Shred the Meat:
   
   • Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the sauce and stir to combine.
     
7. Finish the Sauce:
   
   • For a richer sauce, stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
     
8. Serve:
   
   • Serve the ragu over your favorite pasta or creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
     

Enjoy your comforting, hearty Beef or Pork Ragu! It’s perfect for a cozy meal with friends or family.

​The dish of Beef or Pork Ragu is an inviting, comforting masterpiece, served in a rustic and heartwarming setting. The wide, silky strands of pappardelle pasta are perfectly cooked, providing a luxurious base that absorbs the rich, savory sauce. The ragu itself has a deep, robust flavor, as the tender meat—whether beef or pork—has been slow-cooked to perfection, breaking down into delicate shreds that melt in your mouth. The sauce is a beautiful deep red, with the tomatoes giving it a rich, velvety texture, while the aromatic herbs—basil, oregano, and bay leaves—infuse the sauce with earthy, fragrant notes.

A subtle hint of garlic and onion weaves through the sauce, creating an irresistible depth of flavor. The parsley garnish on top provides a fresh, green contrast to the rich colors of the sauce, adding a light, crisp element to the hearty dish. The background of the scene suggests a cozy, homely kitchen—wooden table, scattered herbs, and a glass of deep red wine—creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for sharing a comforting meal with loved ones.
​
The whole scene feels like a celebration of simple, slow-cooked goodness—something that’s been carefully prepared over time, with attention to every detail, from the tenderness of the meat to the perfect pairing with the wine and pasta. This ragu is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that invites you to savor each bite.