I give you Braised Beef Ragu with Fettuccine for when you need a comforting and delicious dish. The beef is slow-braised and falls apart easily. It is cooked in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce and served over fettuccine that is just al dente.
It’s been very cold, snowy, and cloudy this month, which always makes me want to make some comfort food. What can I say? The cravings take over, so I head to the kitchen to make some comfort food.
Which is why I give you this recipe for slowly braised beef ragu fettuccine. Although the meat sauce is braised in the oven over 3 hours, it is relatively easy to prepare. All you really need is patience and a good book.
I prefer to use chuck roast, beef shanks, stewing beef or beef brisket for ragu. Although searing the meat first isn’t necessary, I strongly recommend you don’t skip this. Browning the meat first creates a caramelization which will give a rich flavor to the finished ragu. Totally worth the effort, trust me.
Beef ragu is a rich, hearty Italian pasta sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings. Its deep, savory flavor makes it a beloved choice for pasta nights. However, while the ragu itself is incredible, the sides served alongside it can make or break the meal.
The right side dishes will perfectly complement and balance out the robust ragu. After all, you want the entire dinner spread to come together in a symphony of flavors and textures to satisfy your palate. Here are 15 sensational sides to serve with beef ragu for a stellar meal:
1. Garlic Bread
Warm crusty garlic bread is a no-brainer pairing with any Italian food, especially beef ragu. The bite of the garlic and herbs in the butter provide the perfect contrast to the rich tomato sauce. Garlic bread is easy to make fresh at home; simply mix softened butter with minced garlic, brush it over thick baguette slices and toast until golden brown. The aroma alone will make your mouth water in anticipation of the ragu!
2. Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad strikes an ideal balance with the heartiness of beef ragu. Cool, crunchy romaine lettuce tossed in a bright, tangy dressing provides a refreshing change of pace. Savory Parmesan cheese and garlic-y croutons add even more dimension. Make it a meal by topping the salad with sliced grilled chicken or shrimp.
3. Creamy Polenta
Smooth, creamy polenta makes the ultimate bed for rich beef ragu. It soaks up the sauce beautifully while adding delicious corn flavor. For extra richness, stir grated Parmesan into the polenta as it cooks. roasted cherry tomatoes sprinkled on top add a pop of sweetness.
4. Sautéed Broccoli Rabe
For a healthy but hearty side try sautéed broccoli rabe with garlic and olive oil. Its pleasant bitterness balances out the richness of the ragu. Other quick-cooking greens like spinach or kale also pair nicely. Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
5. Parmesan Risotto
Creamy Parmesan risotto provides the same comforting factor as polenta but with nutty rice flavor. As you stir in the savory cheese, it creates a silky base to highlight the ragu. Mixing in sautéed mushrooms adds even more umami depth.
6. Crusty Bread
You can never go wrong with a loaf of crusty artisan bread for dipping in the flavorful sauce. The textural contrast of the crunchy exterior and fluffy interior makes for a satisfying addition. Serve it warm so the bread soaks up all the delicious juices.
7. Sauteed Zucchini
Because beef ragu is such a hearty, wintry dish, roasted or sautéed zucchini makes a fitting summery side. Cook sliced or cubed zucchini in olive oil with fresh herbs and garlic. The bright green veggie tastes amazing with the rich sauce.
8. Meatballs
For the ultimate protein pairing, serve homemade or store-bought Italian meatballs with the ragu. Cook them right in the sauce so they soak up all that irresistible flavor. The combination of the two is pure comfort food bliss.
9. Focaccia Bread
Focaccia makes an excellent alternative to basic bread if you want something more gourmet. The Italian flatbread is flavored with olive oil, herbs, and often cheese. The garlic and rosemary versions pair especially well with beef ragu.
10. Caprese Salad
A caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil epitomizes Italy on a plate. The creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar balance out the heartiness of the ragu splendidly.
11. Pesto pasta salad
Cool pesto pasta salad is a bright, zesty side for beef ragu. Toss pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle with pesto, cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, and red onion. The herby green pesto makes the flavors pop.
12. Garlic mashed potatoes
What better comfort food side is there than creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes? All that richness pairs impeccably with the savory ragu sauce. For extra flavor and texture, mix in roasted garlic with the potatoes.
13. Roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, onions, and eggplant make a vibrant, colorful accompaniment. Coat them in olive oil and Italian herbs before roasting to caramelized perfection. They add freshness and nutrition.
14. Mixed green salad
A simple mixed green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette cools things down between bites of piping hot ragu. Add other fresh vegetables like cucumber, radish, bell pepper, and tomato for more texture and flavors.
15. Tomato bruschetta
Bring it back full circle to another Italian classic: bruschetta! Grilled bread topped with a mix of chopped Roma tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil makes a tangy, textural contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
With so many options, from crispy garlic bread to fresh Caprese salad, you’ll enjoy putting together the perfect beef ragu dinner spread. Any of these sensational sides do the rich sauce justice. Mangia bene!
How to serve beef ragu
This beef ragu is so tasty. It goes well with any kind of pasta, like fettuccine or pappardelle, but it’s even better when served over creamy polenta or rice. You can even serve it by itself or as a spread over some nice crusty bread.
I hope you try this dish; it’s worth the work. All you have to do is chop, brown, and sauté the ingredients. While you wait for your dinner, sit by the fireplace and read a good book. People may come knocking on your door because the house smells so good, but isn’t that what Italian food is all about? MANGIA!
Try my One Pot Beef Ragu Pasta if you’re looking for a busy weeknight version of this recipe!
How to make beef ragu
Brown the beef pieces in a Dutch oven, like a braiser, with a little olive oil to begin. Make sure to season your beef generously. You may need to do this in parts if your Dutch oven isn’t big enough to fit all the meat at once.
Once the meat is done, put it on a plate. In the same Dutch oven, cook the onion, celery, carrots, and seasonings in a little olive oil to make the sauce. You want to cook this until the veggies soften. Stir in the garlic, herbs and tomato paste. I like to add tomato paste because it gives the sauce a richer flavor.
Add the red wine, beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil then add the beef back to the skillet. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to the oven. Bake it for 3 hours with the lid on at 350 F degrees.
Remove the beef pieces to a bowl and shred with two forks. Transfer the shredded meat back to the sauce and stir.
Garnish with more parsley or Parmesan cheese.
