Beef Cheek Ragu Pasta Recipe

Beef Cheek Ragu Pasta is the ultimate slow-cooked comfort dish—deep, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. This Italian classic uses braised beef cheeks simmered in red wine, tomatoes, and aromatics, creating a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. The long cooking time transforms this tough cut into something incredibly soft and flavorful.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Ragu

• 1–1.2 kg beef cheeks
• Salt & black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 120–150 g pancetta (or bacon)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 carrot (finely chopped)
• 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
• 5–6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp rosemary (fresh)
• 1 tbsp thyme (fresh)
• 500 ml red wine
• 400 g canned tomatoes
• 500 ml beef stock

For Serving

• Pasta (pappardelle, tagliatelle, or spaghetti)
• Butter (2–3 tbsp)
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon zest + juice

Also Read: Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Beef Cheek Ragu Pasta

1. Sear the Beef

• Pat beef cheeks dry and season well.
• Heat oil in a pan and sear until browned on all sides.
• Remove and set aside.

2. Build the Flavor Base

• In the same pot, cook pancetta until crispy.
• Add onion, carrot, celery (soffritto) and cook until soft.
• Stir in garlic and herbs.

3. Deglaze & Simmer

• Pour in red wine and let it reduce slightly.
• Add tomatoes and beef stock.
• Return beef cheeks to the pot.

4. Slow Cook

• Cover and cook in oven at 160°C for 3–3.5 hours.
• Turn halfway; meat should become fork-tender.

5. Shred & Finish Sauce

• Remove beef and shred with forks.
• Blend or simmer sauce until smooth/thick.
• Return meat to sauce and season.

6. Cook Pasta & Combine

• Boil pasta until al dente.
• Toss with ragu, butter, parmesan, and a splash of pasta water.

7. Garnish & Serve

• Top with parsley, lemon zest, and extra parmesan.
• Serve hot and enjoy.

Also Read: Italian Sausage Tortellini

🍽️ Tips for Perfect Ragu

• Make it a day ahead—flavors deepen over time.
• Use full-bodied red wine for richness.
• Don’t rush cooking—slow braising is key.
• Slightly undercook pasta before mixing into sauce.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Values vary depending on portion size and pasta type.