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4.98 from 180 votes

Weekend Braised Beef Ragu with Pappardelle

A simple weekend braised beef rage that is perfect for a warming Sunday supper. Just set it up and let it slowly simmer all day until the meat is fall-apart tender. It’s seriously the most comforting meal!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 15 minutes
Course: Beef, Rice & Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8
Calories: 277kcal
Author: Marzia

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 - 2½ pounds chuck roast or boneless short ribs, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 medium onion chopped finely
  • 6-8 garlic cloves pressed or minced
  • cup beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • parmesan rind optional
  • 2 bay leaves + a few sprigs of fresh thyme
  • a large bunch of basil a handful or so, no need to be exact
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • For serving pappardelle parsley, and parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  • SEAR: Season the chuck roast pieces with salt and pepper all over. Heat the oil in a large, dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the beef into the pot and allow it to sear on each side for roughly 5-7 minutes or until browned, remove the beef to a plate.
  • AROMATICS: Add another drizzle of oil if the pan needs it. Saute the onions for 4-5 minutes or until translucent, stirring as needed so that they don't burn. Add the garlic and let cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and allow it to cook, stirring frequently for 1 minute.

Stove Top:

  • Deglaze the pan with beef broth. Scraping with a wooden spoon to loosen anything that might be stuck on. Add the balsamic vinegar, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, parmesan rind, bay leaves, fresh thyme, basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to gain a simmer, stir once.
  • Cover and lower the heat to the lowest setting and let cook for 2 ½ - 5 hours or until the meat easily shreds with two forks. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if too much evaporates or if your beef is taking longer to cook. Mine took about 3 hours to get the meat to just fall apart. I shredded the beef and then let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes in the sauce. Season with salt to taste. Feel free to skim any excess fat off the top and remove the parmesan rind, bay leaves, and basil leaves before serving.
  • Serve over pappardelle with a sprinkle of parsley and freshly grated parmesan.

Slow Cooker:

  • Transfer the meat, sauteed onions, garlic, and tomato mixture to a slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker (except those for serving.)
  • Cover and let cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours. Check for doneness around 6 hours, using two forks to shred the meat. You'll know it's done when it falls apart easily. Season with salt to taste. Feel free to skim any excess fat off the top and remove the parmesan rind, bay leaves, and basil leaves before serving.
  • Serve over pappardelle with a sprinkle of parsley and freshly grated parmesan.

Notes

  • Beef: You can also use eye of round roast in this recipe, however, I do find that it takes close to 6 hours for the meat to be fall-apart tender. You'll also need to check the liquid around the 4th hour and add more stock/water. Also, cooking times may vary if using grass-fed/organic beef.

Nutrition

Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g
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