Ever find yourself staring at a container of leftover Italian beef, wondering what to do with it? You’re not alone. Leftovers can feel like a culinary puzzle, but they’re also an opportunity to create something deliciously new. Enter this Ragu Sauce Pasta Bake—a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that turns your leftover Italian beef into a show-stopping meal.
Whether you’ve got leftover shredded Italian beef from sandwiches or a roast, this recipe is your ticket to a second dinner that might just outshine the first. Let’s dive in and make magic out of those leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Leftover Italian Beef Recipe
- No Waste, All Taste: Leftover Italian beef recipes like this one are perfect for stretching your meals and reducing food waste.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Imagine tender shredded beef in a rich tomato sauce, tossed with pasta, and topped with melty cheese. Need I say more?
- Easy Weeknight Win: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is a lifesaver on busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Ragu Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 cups leftover Italian beef (shredded or chopped)
- ½ cup red wine (optional, but adds depth)
- 1 large can crushed tomatoes
- 1 small can tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley) or 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
For the Pasta Bake:
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Ragu Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and slightly golden.
- Add garlic and your leftover Italian beef. Break it up with a spoon and let it warm through.
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute to deglaze the pan.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Rinse the cans with a bit of water and add that to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Preheat your oven to broil.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the ragu sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish (or use an oven-safe pot).
- Top generously with shredded provolone and Parmesan cheese.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs and serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
Tips for Success
- No Leftover Beef? No Problem: Use ground beef or Italian sausage instead. Just brown it first, then follow the recipe as usual.
- Make Ahead: The ragu sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze the sauce (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready to use it.
What to Serve With Your Pasta Bake
Pair this hearty dish with:
- A crisp Italian Mixed Greens Salad
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A glass of red wine (because why not?)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your leftover beef wasn’t cooked with flour.
What other recipes can I make with leftover Italian beef?
Try turning it into tacos, nachos, or even a hearty beef stew. The possibilities are endless!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Rigatoni, penne, or even pappardelle work great with this sauce.
Ragu Sauce Pasta Bake from Leftover Beef Roast
Ingredients
For the Ragu Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1-2 cups leftover Italian beef shredded or chopped
- ½ cup red wine optional, but adds depth
- 1 large can crushed tomatoes
- 1 small can tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup fresh herbs basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley or 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
For the Pasta Bake:
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Ragu Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and slightly golden. Add garlic and your leftover Italian beef. Break it up with a spoon and let it warm through. Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute to deglaze the pan. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Rinse the cans with a bit of water and add that to the sauce for extra flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to broil. Combine the cooked pasta with the ragu sauce and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish (or use an oven-safe pot). Top generously with shredded provolone and Parmesan cheese. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra fresh herbs and serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use any short pasta like ziti, penne, or rigatoni.
- Substitute provolone with mozzarella or white cheddar if desired.
- Leftover sauce can be frozen for future use.
Final Thoughts
Leftover Italian beef recipes don’t have to be boring. This Ragu Sauce Pasta Bake is proof that a little creativity can transform last night’s dinner into a whole new culinary experience. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor—everything you want in a comfort food dish.
So, the next time you’re staring at that container of leftover beef, don’t stress. Whip up this recipe, and you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress.
Looking for More Italian Recipes?
Here are some must-try recipes that bring authentic Italian flavors to your kitchen:
- Instant Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
- Italian Mule Cocktail with Amaretto
- Italian Leaf Cookies Recipe
- Olive Garden Italian Margarita
- Italian Sausage Roll Recipe
Try these recipes and bring the taste of Italy to your table!
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.
