Elevate Weeknight Pasta with Savory Beef Steak Ragu

Pasta gets a deliciously hearty and meaty upgrade with the addition of seared steak. These pasta and beef steak recipes highlight ways to transform budget-friendly cuts like flank or sirloin into rich, beefy ragus and meat sauces perfect for tossing with noodles. The steak provides a hit of protein and big, beefy flavor that makes a noodle dinner feel special. Read on for tips, tricks and recipe ideas to enjoy pasta with steak anytime!

Pick Affordable Thin Steak Cuts

Flank, skirt or flap meat steaks around 1 lb total work great here. They cook quickly and shred easily. Slice against the grain into thin 2-inch strips.

Go Thin

Thin slices mean the steak will cook fast to match pasta’s quick cooking time.

Sear the Steak Over High Heat

Season steak strips with salt and pepper. Get a skillet very hot and sear meat in batches until nicely browned but still pink inside, only 1-2 minutes per side.

Don't Overcook!

You want a nice sear for flavor, but avoid overcooking since the steak will finish simmering in sauce.

Sauté Aromatic Veggies

In the same skillet, sauté veggies like garlic, onions, carrots, mushrooms until softened. This adds complex flavor to the sauce.

Pick Your Favorite Combos

Customize the veggie mix with whatever you have on hand!

Simmer Steak Slices in Tomato Sauce

Return seared steak slices back to the skillet along with tomato sauce, stock, vinegar, basil and seasoning. Gently simmer until steak is very tender, 15-20 minutes.

Let Those Flavors Mingle

The simmering time allows the meat to enrich the sauce with hearty, beefy flavor.

Toss with Cooked Pasta

Add your cooked pasta of choice right to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley or basil. Dinner is served!

Some Favorite Steak Pasta Recipes:

- Steak Spaghetti Bolognese

- Steak Tortellini with Mushrooms

- Steak Fettuccine Alfredo

- Penne with Pepper Steak

- Steak Lasagna Rolls

FAQs

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne, farfalle, fettuccine, pappardelle all pair nicely with heartier meat sauces.

Is expensive steak necessary?

Not at all! Flank or sirloin are budget-friendly yet still add lots of flavor.

Can I use precooked steak strips?

Absolutely, leftover grilled steak also works great simmered in the sauce.

Do I need to bake the pasta dish?

Nope! Tossing the pasta right in the skillet sauce keeps things easy.

How long will leftovers last?

Store steak pasta covered in the fridge 3-4 days. The flavors improve over time.

In Summary

With just a quickly seared steak and basic ingredients transformed into a hearty ragu, you can elevate basic pasta to a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. The possibilities for steak pasta dishes are endless!