Beef Ragu: The Magic of Meal Prepping
One of the things I love most about this beef ragu sauce is how well it lends itself to meal prepping. Make a big batch, and you’ve got multiple meals ready to go. Simply freeze portions in airtight containers, and you can pull them out whenever you need a quick dinner. It’s a lifesaver for those nights when cooking from scratch feels like a daunting task.
Beef Ragu Serving Suggestions: Versatility at Its Best
This Beef Ragu sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve it:
- Classic Pasta: Toss the sauce with your favourite pasta. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. 🍝
- Rice or Polenta: Serve the ragu over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta for a comforting, hearty meal. 🍚
- Stuffed Potatoes: Spoon the sauce over baked potatoes and top with a dollop of sour cream and chopped chives. 🥔
- Ragu Toasties: Use the sauce as a filling for toasted sandwiches. Add some mozzarella or cheddar for a gooey, delicious treat. 🥪
Tips and Tricks for the Best Beef Ragu
To ensure your beef ragu turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips and tricks:
- Brown the Beef: Don’t skip this step! Browning the beef adds a depth of flavour that’s essential to a great ragu. Make sure to get a good sear on all sides. 🔥
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef, deglaze the pan with beef stock. This helps to incorporate all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan into your sauce. 🍲
- Slow Cooking: If you have the time, slow cooking the ragu will allow the flavours to meld together beautifully. You can use a slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Alternatively, pop it in the oven at 160°C for 2.5 hours. ⏲️
- Season Well: Taste your sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning if needed. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper can make all the difference. 🌿
Pairing Perfection: What to Drink with Your Beef Ragu
Pairing your meal with the right drink can elevate your dining experience. Here are a few suggestions:
- Red Wine: A robust red wine like Shiraz or Merlot complements the rich flavours of the beef ragu beautifully. 🍷
- Beer: A full-bodied beer, such as a stout or a dark ale, pairs well with the hearty sauce. 🍺
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lemon is refreshing and cuts through the richness of the dish. 💧
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this Beef Ragu, here are a few more recipes that you might enjoy:
Share your creations
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So, there you have it! A delicious, freezer-friendly beef ragu sauce that’s perfect for meal prepping and versatile enough to use in a variety of dishes. Give it a try, and let me know how you like to serve your ragu. Happy cooking! 👩🍳🍝
Beef Ragu
- Total Time: 8hrs 15min
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
🍝 Ultimate Freezer-Friendly Beef Ragu Sauce 🍝
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, saving money, and pleasing the whole family. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a hot pan with some olive oil, brown your beef heavily on both sides.
- Remove the beef from the pan and pour in the beef stock to deglaze, making sure to scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom.
- In your slow cooker or pot, add tomato paste, tomatoes, passata, herbs, and stock. Give it a little whisk.
- Add your beef and vegetables.
- If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Alternatively, you can pop it in your oven at 160°C for 2.5 hours.
Voilà! You’ve got a delicious beef ragu sauce ready to enjoy or freeze for later. Perfect for pasta, rice, or even on a baked potato. Enjoy the comforting flavours and the ease of having a ready-made meal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 8 hrs
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While beef chuck casserole is recommended for its tenderness and flavour, you can also use other cuts like beef brisket or even beef shin. Just ensure the beef is suitable for slow cooking to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Your beef ragu sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
Yes, you can! To adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef and deglaze the pan. Then, add all the ingredients, close the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 45 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for the best results.