Slow-Simmered Beef Ragu With Pappardelle
A rich, comforting meat sauce served over broad pappardelle pasta. Lean ground beef and crushed tomatoes simmer together for a deeply satisfying, classic Italian dinner.
Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
50 min
Makes
4 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Evening comfort
Head toward bedtime properly fed
A satisfying evening meal can make the night feel simpler. Notice whether the portion and timing fit comfortably into your sleep routine.
Notice: timing + overnight comfort
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
50 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Large pot
Time saver
Leftover magic: Ragu develops even richer flavor as it sits. Store the sauce separately from the pasta in the fridge for up to 4 days for incredibly easy, satisfying lunches.
Do these three things first
- 1Prep clove garlic (minced)
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Heat a splash of olive oil in…
- 01
Heat a splash of olive oil in…
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and a finely chopped onion, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
Look for: softened (about 5-7 minutes)
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add a minced garlic clove and the…
Add a minced garlic clove and the ground beef to the pot. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned.
Look for: fully browned
Tap card to mark done - 03
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef…
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes so the flavors deepen and the sauce thickens.
Allow: 20 to 30 minutes
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Bring a large pot of heavily salted…
While the ragu simmers, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle according to the package directions until al dente.
Look for: al dente
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Drain the pasta
Drain the pasta, saving about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Add the cooked pasta directly into the…
Add the cooked pasta directly into the ragu pot, tossing gently to coat the noodles. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water.
Tap card to mark done - 07
Divide into bowls and top each serving…
Divide into bowls and top each serving with 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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