Beef Cheek Ragu Pasta Recipe – Cook, Eat, Repeat

Are you ready for a pasta dish that will make your taste buds dance? I’m talking about beef cheek ragu pasta, a deliciously rich and comforting meal that can be ready in just 15 minutes! Whether you’ve got leftover beef cheeks or just want to try something new, this recipe is a game-changer! Let’s dive into the details and create some kitchen magic together!

What is Beef Cheek Ragu?

Have you ever tried beef cheek ragu? If not, you’re in for a delightful treat! This dish is all about rich, hearty flavors and tender meat that melts in your mouth. So, what exactly is it? Well, it’s a delicious pasta sauce made from slow-cooked beef cheeks—a cut of meat that becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.

The magic happens when the beef cheeks are simmered in a flavorful sauce, often with red wine and a mix of herbs and spices. The result? A sauce that’s not just tasty, but also packed with depth and character! I mean, who doesn’t love a sauce that hugs the pasta perfectly?

Here’s a fun fact—beef cheeks may sound fancy, but they’re surprisingly budget-friendly! They stretch quite far, making them a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Just a little goes a long way, which means you can serve up a hearty meal without a lot of fuss. Plus, for those midweek dinners where you need something quick, using leftovers from a slow-cooked beef dish makes this recipe a lifesaver!

Now, imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as this sauce simmers away. Can you smell it? That’s the smell of comfort food at its best! So, let’s dive into how to whip up this heavenly dish!

Ingredients for Beef Cheek Ragu Pasta

Now that you’re excited about beef cheek ragu, let’s gather our ingredients! Trust me, this dish is not only delicious but also super easy to put together. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering pasta:

• 350 g / 12 oz dried spaghetti
• 2 cups of leftover shredded beef from Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks in Red Wine
• 1 cup of the sauce from your beef cheeks (it’s full of flavor!)
• 1 onion (brown, white, or yellow), diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups crushed canned tomatoes
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 to 2 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
• Black pepper, to taste

To Serve:

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Finely chopped parsley

That’s it! Simple, right? You might have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. Make sure to grab some fresh parsley and parmesan cheese for that extra pop when serving.

Feel free to get creative! You can add in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or throw in some extra veggies if you’re feeling fancy. I love how this recipe is versatile! So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to cook up some magic!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this beef cheek ragu pasta is super fun and takes just about 15 minutes. Here’s how to do it, step by step:

1. Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in the spaghetti and cook it for about 6 minutes. You want it to be just before al dente, since it will continue cooking in the sauce later!

1. Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and fragrant. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing already!

1. Add the Sauce: Next, stir in the remaining ingredients: shredded beef, beef cheek sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Mix everything well and bring it to a rapid simmer. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste!

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once your pasta is ready, use tongs to transfer it directly from the pot into the pan with the ragu sauce. Add about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to help combine everything. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s well coated and delicious!

1. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your beef cheek ragu pasta immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley!

And there you have it! A rich, comforting meal ready in no time. Who knew weeknight dinners could be this easy? Enjoy every bite!

Tips for Serving and Storage

Now that we’ve made this delicious beef cheek ragu pasta, let’s talk about how to serve it up and make the most of any leftovers!

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish: When serving, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley on top. It adds a lovely touch and extra flavor!
• Pairing: This dish goes wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. Honestly, who can resist a little bread for sopping up that rich sauce?
• Temperature: Serve the ragu hot! It’s so comforting to dig into a warm bowl of pasta after a long day.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which can be hard to believe because it’s so tasty!), here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the ragu for longer storage. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It can last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer!
• Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.

With these tips, you’ll keep the deliciousness alive! I can’t wait for you to enjoy this meal. Bon appétit!

Nutritional Information and Variations

Let’s talk about the nutrition in our tasty beef cheek ragu pasta! This dish is not just a feast for the taste buds, but it also has some valuable nutrients to keep you fueled throughout your day.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: About 479
• Protein: 6.7g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fat: 35.2g (including saturated fat)
• Fiber: 3.6g

It’s a filling dish, perfect for a hearty meal! The beef cheeks provide protein, while the tomatoes and garlic add some vitamins and antioxidants. However, since it does have a bit of fat, I like to balance it out with a nice green salad on the side!

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun tweaks to mix things up:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach or zucchini to sneak in more nutrients and color!
• Go Whole Wheat: Swap regular spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking. It’s a game-changer!

No matter how you serve it, this beef cheek ragu pasta is sure to be a hit! So, get creative and make it your own! What variations are you going to try?