Classic Beef Ragu with Penne & Cheesy Roasted Veg

Classic Beef Ragu with Penne & Cheesy Roasted Veg

This classic ragu will be a hit with the whole family. Simmer tender British beef mince in a vibrant ragu, then add to the oven alongside a vibrant veg traybake (think delicate courgette and sweet peppers), coated in hard Italian cheese. Stir wholewheat penne through the ragu, finish with an extra sprinkle of cheese and you're ready to dig in. Clean plates guaranteed!

High protein New 5 plants Family-friendly

Serving size

Cook time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Food group: Beef
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat

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Cooking Instructions

The protein cooking time listed in this recipe has been updated.

As of December 2025, we’ve revised cooking times for all our proteins to reflect improved food safety guidance.

Check out the latest recommended times in our Cooking Guidelines.

Before you start

  • Preheat the oven to 240C / fan 220C / gas mark 9
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper
  • Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil
  • Pull out a large lidded ovenproof saucepan, a sieve & a measuring jug

Get started

  • Finely dice the onions. Dice the courgette into 2cm chunks. Dice the peppers into 3cm chunks. Pick the basil leaves from the stalks and finely chop
  • Heat the large ovenproof saucepan with 1 tsp oil on high heat. Once hot, add the beef and onion and cook for 5 mins, breaking the mince up with a wooden spoon, until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper

Simmer the ragu & boil the pasta

  • Add the red wine vinegar, tomato puree and half the garlic herb paste to the pan. Cook for another 1 min, then stir in the chopped tomatoes, basil and 150ml water
  • Bring to the boil and simmer for 7-8 mins, until thickened slightly
  • Meanwhile, add one and a half packs of penne to the saucepan of boiling water. Boil for 8-9 mins, until almost cooked. Drain the pasta, then stir into the sauce

Oven time

  • Finely grate the cheese. Add the pepper, courgette, the remaining garlic herb paste, half the cheese and 1 tsp oil to the baking tray. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat
  • Place the lid onto the ragu saucepan, then place into the oven with the veg tray. Bake for 15-18 mins, until the ragu has thickened and the veg is soft and golden

Plate up

  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the ragu, then serve into bowls, with the roasted veg alongside

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