Beef Ragout
Hearty beef ragout features tender beef cubes simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with vegetables and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 lb beef, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes ⓘ
- 2/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 cloves chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons parsley ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cans beef broth (10 1/2 oz each) ⓘ
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper; coat beef cubes with the mixture.
- Save leftover flour for later use.
- In a Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons of oil and brown the beef cubes. Add more oil if needed.
- Add chopped onions, celery, green pepper, and garlic; sauté until tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the leftover flour until well blended.
- Slowly stir in canned tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring as needed.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 2 1/2 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Serve hot with rice, large noodles, or buttered potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the beef in the Worcestershire sauce and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Additionally, feel free to replace celery with carrots for a slightly sweeter taste. For a heartier dish, you can add mushrooms or root vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Ragout pairs beautifully with rice, especially Nice Spice Rice, or you can serve it over large noodles. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. It also makes a great filling for stuffed peppers or as a hearty topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Ragout contains roughly 830 calories, with 28g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (127% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1287mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this ragout?
Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck or round, which are also suitable for slow cooking. Just ensure the meat is well-marbled for tenderness. Trim excess fat as necessary, and adjust cooking time accordingly if using different cuts.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender. This method allows for even more flavor development as it cooks slowly.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Beef Ragout can be repurposed in various ways. Try using it in a Beef Stew With Lentils for a different twist, or serve it on crusty bread for hearty sandwiches. You can also freeze portions for later use, ensuring you label the containers with the date.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).