Imagine a hearty, mouth-watering Italian dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen in just 40 minutes. This Shortcut Beef and Vegetable Ragu is your ticket to an incredible meal that looks like you've been cooking all day, but actually comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure you have everything you need at hand.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn. The garlic should become fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the diced carrots and zucchini to the skillet. Stir well to combine the vegetables with the meat mixture.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, and add the dried oregano. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and adjust according to your preference.
- Bring the ragu to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.
- After 20 minutes, taste the ragu and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the ragu is ready, remove it from the heat. Serve it hot over your choice of pasta, polenta, or even on its own. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your Shortcut Beef and Vegetable Ragu with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef for the best flavor profile. Aim for 80/20 ground beef for optimal richness.
- Don't rush the onion and garlic sautéing process - letting them develop their flavors is key to a deep, complex taste.
- Break up the ground beef into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure uniform browning and texture.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine when cooking the beef or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- If you want to make the ragu ahead of time, it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end of cooking - this is your chance to make the dish perfectly suited to your palate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
