Penne with Beef Ragu

Ragù, which can be made with ground beef, pork, veal or a combination, tastes even better the day after it is made. This recipe can easily be doubled and will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

source	Williams Sonoma
categories	main dish, pasta, sauce, italian
yield	4 servings
prep time
total time

INGREDIENTS

6 Tbs. olive oil

1 Small yellow onion, finely chopped

3 Lrg garlic cloves, minced

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary

¾ lb ground beef

½ cup dry red wine

3 Tbs. tomato paste

2 ½ cup canned whole plum tomatoes,

chopped, with juices

2 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. salt, plus more, to taste

½ tsp. freshly ground pepper, plus more,

to taste

1 lb penne or rigatoni

INSTRUCTIONS

[Make the Sauce]

1. In a large, deep fry pan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, celery and rosemary and sautee until the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes. Add 1 to 2 Tbs. water if needed to keep the pan from drying out and the vegetables from browning.

2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned, about 10 minutes. Add the wine and tomato paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the alcohol has evaporated, about 4 minutes.

3. Reduce the heat to low and add the tomatoes, the 1 tsp. salt and the ½ tsp. pepper. Cover partially and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and aromatic, about 1 hour.

[Cook the Pasta]

4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the 2 Tbs. salt and the pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add to the sauce, stirring to combine. Warm briefly over low heat to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.