Ragu Sauce Pasta Bake with Leftover Beef Roast Recipe

Name: Beef Ragu Pasta Bake
Prep time: PT-491583H33M48S
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – ½ chopped onion; – 3 cloves minced garlic; – 1 to 2 cups shredded beef roast (with any white fat discarded); – ½ cup red wine for deglazing the pan; – 1 large can crushed tomatoes or chopped whole peeled tomatoes; – 1 small can tomato paste; – ½ teaspoon kosher salt; – 6 grinds fresh black pepper; – ⅓ cup fresh Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley, or 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; – 1 pound ziti or a similar short pasta like rigatoni or penne; – 2 cups shredded provolone cheese; – ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

December 31, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Beef Ragu Pasta Bake

This Beef Ragu Pasta Bake is a cozy meal that turns leftover beef roast into something special, combining shredded beef with a hearty tomato ragu sauce, pasta, and gooey cheese for a satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy. It’s simple to put together, making it ideal for busy nights when you want comfort without much fuss. Whether you’re a home cook looking to use up leftovers or just crave a flavorful dish, this recipe fits the bill with its rich tastes and easy steps.

One of the best things about this Beef Ragu Pasta Bake is its ease of preparation, which involves straightforward steps like sautéing onions and simmering the sauce, so you can have a homemade meal ready quickly. It also packs health benefits from ingredients like tomatoes, which are full of vitamins, and lean beef for protein, helping you feel good about what you’re eating. Plus, its versatility lets you swap ingredients based on what you have, making it adaptable for different tastes or dietary needs.

Ease of preparation: This beef ragu pasta bake recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep time and simple steps, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners. The simmering ragu sauce melds flavors effortlessly, reducing hands-on cooking time.
Health benefits: Packed with lean beef and nutrient-rich tomatoes, this dish offers a good source of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. Incorporating fiber-rich pasta and herbs also supports digestion and overall wellness.
Versatility: Easily adaptable, this beef ragu pasta bake caters to various dietary needs by substituting ingredients, such as using gluten-free pasta or plant-based alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy its hearty flavors.
Distinctive flavor: The slow-cooked beef combined with aromatic herbs creates a rich and savory sauce that stands out from typical pasta dishes, delivering a comforting and memorable meal experience.

Nutritional values per serving include about 615 calories, with 71g carbohydrates, 36g protein, and 20g fat, making it a balanced option that’s not too heavy. You can serve it with a fresh salad and crusty bread to round out the meal, adding even more nutrients like vitamins from greens.

Jump to:

Essential Ingredients for Beef Ragu Pasta Bake

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious Beef Ragu Pasta Bake, and this recipe uses simple items you might already have on hand. Start with shredded leftover beef roast for that tender, flavorful base, then build the sauce with fresh veggies and herbs. For more inspiration on using leftovers, check out our easy pasta recipes section on the site.

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
1 to 2 cups shredded beef roast (with any white fat discarded)
½ cup red wine (optional, for deglazing the pan)
1 large can crushed tomatoes or chopped whole peeled tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste
½ teaspoon kosher salt
6 grinds fresh black pepper
⅓ cup fresh Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley, or 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 pound ziti or a similar short pasta like rigatoni or penne
2 cups shredded provolone cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

These ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s simmered for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly. For the health-conscious, remember that beef provides essential proteins and iron, as noted in external resources like the health benefits of beef.

How to Prepare the Perfect Beef Ragu Pasta Bake: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating Beef Ragu Pasta Bake is all about following simple steps that turn ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering dish. Begin by prepping your veggies and beef, then move on to cooking the sauce and pasta for a seamless process. This method uses shredded leftover beef roast, making it a great way to repurpose meals while keeping things tasty and efficient.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First Step: Gather all ingredients and prepare them by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for the final broiling.
Second Step: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the ½ chopped onion until it’s soft and lightly browned, which takes about 5 minutes.
Third Step: Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 to 2 cups of shredded beef roast to the pan, stirring and warming through for a few minutes until everything is fragrant.
Fourth Step: If using, pour in the ½ cup red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Then, add the 1 large can of crushed tomatoes, 1 small can of tomato paste, and some water from the cans, along with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 6 grinds of fresh black pepper, and ⅓ cup of fresh Italian herbs or 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 30 minutes or longer to develop rich flavors.
Fifth Step: While the sauce simmers, cook 1 pound of ziti or similar pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain it.
Sixth Step: Mix the cooked pasta with the beef ragu sauce and transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
Seventh Step: Top with 2 cups of shredded provolone cheese and ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
Final Step: Broil for about 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Let it cool slightly before serving, and pair it with a salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

This approach ensures the dish is flavorful and customizable, like using different cheeses or ground meats if desired. Tomatoes not only add taste but also vitamins, as highlighted in the health benefits of tomatoes.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Beef Ragu Pasta Bake

Beef Ragu Pasta Bake is flexible, allowing you to tweak it for various preferences or restrictions while keeping that comforting flavor. For instance, if you’re watching your diet, swap in lighter proteins or adjust the cheese to cut calories. The key is to maintain the dish’s heartiness with simple changes.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives: Replace shredded beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use plant-based substitutes for a vegan twist.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications: Swap the tomatoes with fire-roasted ones for smokiness, or add veggies like zucchini to boost nutrition. You can also experiment with herbs to match what’s in season.

The dish can be made ahead or frozen without the pasta, and options like gluten-free pasta make it accessible. Remember, nutritional tweaks can help, with each serving offering 36g of protein and essential vitamins.

Mastering Beef Ragu Pasta Bake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of Beef Ragu Pasta Bake, try some advanced techniques to elevate your cooking game. For example, browning the beef in batches adds depth, and simmering the sauce longer intensifies the flavors. These tweaks make the dish even more enjoyable for food enthusiasts.

Tips for Better Results

Pro cooking techniques: Brown the beef in batches to avoid steaming, and slow-cook the ragu for 1-2 hours for richer taste.
Flavor variations: Add mushrooms for umami or fresh herbs for brightness, and switch cheeses like parmesan for a different melt.
Presentation tips: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve in individual dishes for a nice touch.
Make-ahead options: Prep the sauce ahead to let flavors develop, then assemble when ready.

This method works well with substitutions, ensuring it’s versatile for all cooks.

How to Store Beef Ragu Pasta Bake: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Beef Ragu Pasta Bake fresh and tasty for later, which is perfect for meal prep. After cooling, place it in containers to lock in flavors and prevent waste. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal on busy days without starting from scratch.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months, labeling with the date.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or use a microwave for faster results.
Meal prep considerations: Divide into single servings for easy grab-and-go options.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Ragu Pasta Bake

Is Beef Ragu Pasta Bake gluten-free?

Beef Ragu Pasta Bake is typically not gluten-free because the beef used may be seared with flour to thicken the sauce. Even if you use gluten-free pasta, the flour in the sauce will contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can omit the flour when searing the beef and use gluten-free pasta, ensuring all other ingredients are free from gluten.

What types of pasta work best for Beef Ragu Pasta Bake?

Hearty pasta shapes that can hold thick sauces are ideal for Beef Ragu Pasta Bake. Short pasta like ziti, rigatoni, or penne work well, as do wide, flat noodles like pappardelle or tagliatelle. These shapes trap the sauce and shredded beef, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Can I use ground beef instead of leftover shredded beef for the ragu sauce?

Yes, ground beef or Italian sausage can replace shredded beef to make the ragu sauce. Brown about 1 pound of ground meat first, then continue with the recipe as usual. This is a convenient option if you don’t have leftover roast beef but still want a rich, meaty pasta bake.

How can I store and reheat leftover Beef Ragu Pasta Bake?

Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating helps prevent the dish from drying out.

What are some other ways to use leftover beef roast besides pasta bake?

Leftover beef roast is versatile and can be shredded for use in tacos, burritos, or nachos by warming it with chili powder and cumin. It also works well in sandwiches with melted cheese and pickled vegetables, or combined with canned tomatoes and Italian herbs for sauces. You can freeze the beef for later use or add it to stews and casseroles.

Ragu Sauce Pasta Bake with Leftover Beef Roast Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Beef Ragu Pasta Bake