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Beef Ragu Pasta Bake 4.png

Beef Ragu Pasta Bake

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🍝 This Ragu Sauce Pasta Bake turns savory leftover beef roast into a hearty and delicious meal perfect for family dinners.
🧀 Enjoy the melty, cheesy topping combined with comforting pasta and rich tomato-herb sauce for a satisfying dish anyone will love.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 to 2 cups leftover shredded beef roast [forms the hearty base of the sauce]

1 tablespoon olive oil [used for cooking the onions and garlic]

½ onion, chopped [adds sweetness and depth to the sauce]

3 garlic cloves, minced [enhances the aroma and flavor]

½ cup red wine (optional) [helps deglaze the pot and intensify flavors]

1 large can crushed tomatoes (or whole peeled tomatoes blended) [creates the sauce foundation]

1 small can tomato paste [thickens the sauce for a richer texture]

½ teaspoon kosher salt [seasons the dish perfectly]

6 grinds fresh black pepper [adds a touch of heat and spice]

⅓ cup fresh Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley) or 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning [brings in fresh, herbaceous notes]

1 pound ziti or similar short pasta [provides the perfect structure to hold the sauce]

2 cups shredded provolone cheese [melts on top for a bubbly finish]

½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese [adds a nutty, savory topping]

Extra fresh herbs for garnish [optional, to brighten up the final dish]

Instructions

1-First, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium heat and add ½ chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes, to release their aromas. Next, stir in 1 to 2 cups of leftover shredded beef roast and cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

2-Pour in ½ cup red wine if using, to deglaze the pot and scrape up any bits from the bottom. Add 1 large can of crushed tomatoes, 1 small can of tomato paste, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 6 grinds fresh black pepper, and ⅓ cup fresh Italian herbs or 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, savory mix.

3-While the sauce simmers, cook 1 pound of ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and combine it with the prepared sauce in a large bowl. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with 2 cups shredded provolone cheese and ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, then broil for about 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4-Finally, garnish with extra fresh herbs and serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. For dietary tweaks, like using gluten-free pasta, swap it in during the boiling step to keep things easy.

Last Step:

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Notes

🧀 Use a mix of provolone and Parmesan for a perfect melty and flavorful cheese topping.
🍷 Red wine is optional but adds depth; substitute with beef broth if preferred.
🍝 Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking, keeping the dish’s texture enjoyable.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Simmering Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Contains Dairy, Not Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup pasta bake
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg