Best-Ever Beef Ragu

Name: Best-Ever Beef Ragu
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Yield: 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 2 lb. chuck roast, cut into 2" cubes; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/2 tsp. fennel seeds; 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp. tomato paste; 1/4 c. red wine; 1 (28 oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes; 1/4 c. water; 3 sprigs thyme; 1 bay leaf; 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar; Parmesan, for serving; Freshly chopped parsley, for serving

By Lena AbrahamUpdated: Apr 11, 2023

Approved by the Delish Test Kitchen

4.9

11 Ratings

Park Feierbach

Yields:

6 serving(s)

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 35 mins

Cal/Serv:

296

Jump to recipe

This easy and delicious ragu is perfect for date night. Don't skimp on the parm!

Looking for more cozy winter recipes? Be sure to add this Cacio e Pepe to your list.

Made it? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Ingredients

2 Tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 lb.
chuck roast, cut into 2" cubes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1
medium yellow onion, chopped
5
cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp.
fennel seeds
1/4 tsp.
red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp.
tomato paste
1/4 cup
red wine
1
(28 oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes
1/4 cup
water
3
sprigs thyme
1
bay leaf
2 tsp.
balsamic vinegar
Parmesan, for serving
Freshly chopped parsley, for serving

Directions

1. Step 1 In a large stock pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Season chuck roast with salt and pepper and sear, in batches if needed, until browned on all sides, 10 minutes. Remove into a large bowl.
2. Step 2Heat remaining oil, still over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, 6 minutes. Add garlic, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.
3. Step 3Add tomato paste and cook until it is darkened in color, 1 to 2 minutes more. Deglaze pot with wine, scraping any brown bits up at the bottom of your pot with a wooden spoon.
4. Step 4Add whole peeled tomatoes, water, thyme, bay leaf, balsamic vinegar, and seared pot roast and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until meat easily shreds, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Use a wooden spoon to break up tomatoes and meat, and remove bay leaf. Serve over your favorite pasta or polenta. Top with parmesan and parsley before serving.