If you're in search of a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to impress, look no further than this Quick Beef Ragu for Princess Belle! With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this Italian-inspired dish brings a taste of royalty to your dinner table in just 40 minutes. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting friends, this ragu will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to create a culinary masterpiece that even a princess would adore? Let’s dive into the magic of cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta of choice
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce, 1 can (
- 5 oz) of diced tomatoes, 1 tsp of dried oregano, salt, pepper, and 8 oz of your choice of pasta.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef apart as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the can of tomato sauce and the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- While the ragu simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the beef ragu mixture to the pasta. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve the Quick Beef Ragu hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this delightful dish fit for Princess Belle!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time during cooking, chop your onion and mince your garlic ahead of time. This way, you can easily toss everything into the skillet without delays.
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta works, consider using pappardelle or fettuccine for a more elegant presentation that complements the ragu beautifully.
- Add Depth of Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the beef as it cooks. Let it simmer for a minute before adding the tomato sauce.
- Adjust the Consistency: If your ragu seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This will help bind the sauce to the pasta and enhance the overall texture.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your dish by garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. It adds a burst of color and freshness!
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions for a delightful twist.
- Leftovers: This ragu tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and simply reheat before serving. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish that’s both simple and sophisticated—perfect for any occasion!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
