Rustic Italian Beef Ragù with Tagliatelle – A Hearty Homemade Pasta Recipe

Few dishes in the world can compete with the comforting power of a homemade Italian pasta recipe, and this Rustic Beef Ragù with Tagliatelle is a perfect example of why pasta remains one of the most loved meals globally. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, this dish combines tender ground beef, slow-simmered tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs, all tossed with silky wide noodles that soak up every drop of sauce.

This recipe is ideal for anyone searching for an easy pasta dinner, a classic Italian comfort food, or a family-friendly weeknight meal that tastes like it simmered all day. Whether you’re cooking for guests, preparing a cozy Sunday dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this pasta dish delivers flavor, nutrition, and timeless appeal.

What Is Beef Ragù?

Beef ragù is a traditional Italian meat-based sauce that originated in Northern Italy. Unlike quick tomato sauces, ragù is cooked slowly to develop depth and complexity. While regional variations exist, most ragù recipes include:

Ground or finely chopped beef
Onion, garlic, and vegetables
Tomatoes or tomato paste
Herbs such as parsley or basil
Olive oil and seasoning

In this version, the sauce is paired with tagliatelle or egg noodles, which are perfect for holding thick, hearty sauces.

Why This Pasta Recipe Works

This dish stands out because it balances simplicity and bold flavor. The ingredients are affordable and widely available, yet the final result tastes like restaurant-quality Italian cuisine.

Key highlights:

High-protein, filling meal
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Customizable with vegetables or spices
Ideal for busy families and home cooks
One of the best homemade pasta sauce recipes

Ingredients for Rustic Beef Ragù Pasta

For the Sauce:

400–500 g (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup beef broth or water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Fresh parsley, chopped

For the Pasta:

400 g (14 oz) tagliatelle or egg noodles
Salted water for boiling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender and aromatic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing flavor in your meat sauce for pasta.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Mix well.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become rich and glossy.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tagliatelle according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small cup of pasta water.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add cooked pasta directly to the sauce. Toss gently, adding a splash of pasta water if needed. Finish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian pasta dinner pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread or focaccia
A fresh green salad
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
A glass of red wine

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze sauce separately for up to 3 months
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth

This makes it an excellent make-ahead pasta recipe.

Nutritional Benefits

High in protein from beef
Contains vegetables for fiber and vitamins
Provides energy-rich carbohydrates
More nutritious than many store-bought pasta sauces

Variations and Substitutions

Healthy pasta recipe: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
Vegetarian version: Substitute beef with lentils or mushrooms
Creamy twist: Add a splash of cream or mascarpone
Spicy pasta: Increase chili flakes or add fresh chili

Frequently Asked Questions (High-CPM SEO Section)

Is this an authentic Italian pasta recipe?

While inspired by traditional Italian ragù, this version is adapted for home cooking and modern kitchens.

What is the best pasta for beef ragù?

Tagliatelle, pappardelle, and fettuccine are ideal because they hold thick sauces well.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, this is one of the best meal prep pasta recipes and tastes even better the next day.

Is this recipe good for family dinners?

Absolutely. It’s one of the most popular family-friendly pasta meals.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean beef, add extra vegetables, and choose whole grain pasta.

Can I use jarred tomato sauce instead?

You can, but homemade sauce delivers better flavor and fewer preservatives.

Final Thoughts

This Rustic Italian Beef Ragù with Tagliatelle is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that brings people together. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or special family meals, it checks all the boxes for taste, nutrition, and ease.