Slow cooked beef ragu with rigatoni
(from xombi’s recipe box)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 180 minutes
Serves 4 people
Categories: Pasta
Ingredients
- Plain flour, for dusting
- 500g beef chuck steak, cut into 2.5cm cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small brown onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 sticks celery, cut into 1cm pieces
- 2 medium carrots peeled, cut into 1cm pieces
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 2 x 400g cans whole peeled tomatoes beef stock
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 350g rigatoni
- 1/2 cup (30g) finely grated parmesan cheese
Directions
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Preheat oven to 170°C (150°C fan forced).
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Season the flour with salt and pepper. Combine beef with flour in a bowl and shake off excess.
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Place a large heavy based ovenproof casserole dish over high heat then add 1 tablespoon oil. Once the oil is hot, but not smoking, brown the beef on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer the beef to a plate.
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Reduce heat to medium-high and add remaining oil to pan. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the celery and carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to brown.
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Add the thyme. Stir in the tomatoes, stock, water and vinegar and cook for about 4 minutes, until softened, breaking up with a wooden spoon.
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Return the beef and any juices to the pan. Bring to the boil, then cover and transfer pan to the oven. Cook for 2 1/2-3 hours or until meat is very tender and sauce has reduced and is thick. Remove the thyme stem.
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Meanwhile cook the rigatoni according to packet directions just before the ragu is ready.
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Add the rigatoni to the ragu and toss to combine thoroughly.
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Spoon into 4 large serving bowls and garnish with the parmesan cheese