Beef Ragu Al Forno: A Hearty Halal Meal Prep Hero

Spice up your meal prep routine with Bozu's delicious and easy Beef Ragu Al Forno recipe.

Ditch the boring lunches and last-minute dinner scrambles. Bozu has a solution. When those cravings hit, try Beef Ragu Al Forno. 

It's a classic Italian dish with a halal twist that'll make you forget all about those boring desk lunches. Plus, this hearty meal is packed with flavour, perfect for meal prep, and won't leave you feeling broke. 

So, let's cook this dish. 

The Recipe: Beef Ragu Al Forno 

Here's everything you'll need to make this delicious, comforting halal meal prep staple.

• 5% Vac Beef Mince
• Penne (Wheat, Gluten)
• Italian Tomato Sauce
• Vegetable Oil
• White Onion
• Red Pepper
• Chopped Tomatoes
• Vegetable Bouillon (contains Celery)
• Parmesan Cheese (Cows' Milk, Egg)
• Chopped Parsley
• Olive Oil

Instructions

Preheat and Prep

• Get your oven warmed up to 200°C (400°F). While it's heating, grab a large pot and fill it with water for the pasta. 
• Add a pinch of salt, bring the water to a boil, and then toss in your penne pasta.
• Cook according to the package instructions (usually around 10-12 minutes).

Brown the Beef

• While the pasta is cooking, grab a large pan and heat it over medium heat. 
• Drizzle in a bit of olive oil (or a knob of butter for extra richness). 
• Add the beef mince to the pan and use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
• Keep stirring until the beef is evenly browned and no longer pink.

Drain and Simmer

• Once the beef is browned, tip the pan slightly and use a spoon to scoop out any excess fat. 
• Then, pour in the Italian tomato sauce and give it a good stir. 
• Let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until it thickens.
• Give it a taste, then add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

Pasta Perfection

• By now, your pasta should be cooked. 
• Drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop it from sticking together.

Assemble and Bake

• Grab a baking dish and combine the cooked penne pasta with the flavourful beef ragu sauce. 
• Make sure everything is mixed well and the pasta is coated in that delicious sauce.
• If you're a cheese lover (who isn't?), sprinkle a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This is optional, but it adds a lovely cheesy crust!

Bake to Golden Perfection

• Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven. 
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated thoroughly. 
• Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.

Final Touches

• Once it's out of the oven, give the pasta a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a bit of freshness and colour. This is your chance to get a little fancy with the presentation!

Now for the best part — grab a plate and dig in! This hearty and satisfying Beef Ragu Al Forno is perfect for lunch & dinner. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat later.

Ragu Meal Prep: 8 Easy Ways to Win the Week

Here are 8 tips for getting the most out of your Beef Ragu Al Forno while meal prepping, along with ideas for portioning, storage, and using leftovers.

Double Up, Divide, and Conquer

When you make this Beef Ragu Al Forno, double the recipe! It takes roughly the same effort to cook a larger batch, and you'll have plenty of leftovers for the week. 

Divide the cooked ragu into meal-sized portions and store them in airtight containers. This makes having a delicious lunch or dinner easier without cooking from scratch each time. 

Lunchbox Perfection

This ragu is perfect for your lunchbox. Pack a portion of ragu with your favourite pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well). Don't forget to add a side salad or crunchy vegetables for a balanced and satisfying midday meal.

You can even try packing the ragu separately in a small container and heating it up at work for a warm and comforting lunch.

Dinner Upgrade

Turn your leftover ragu into a hearty dinner in no time. Reheat a portion and serve it over creamy polenta (a delicious cornmeal porridge) or mashed potatoes.

Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and a side of steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner. It's a great way to use up leftovers and enjoy a gourmet-style meal without the hassle.

Stuffed Pepper Surprise

Try stuffing bell peppers with your leftover ragu for a fun and flavourful twist. Cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds, and fill them with the ragu.

Plus, bake them in the oven until the peppers are tender and the ragu is bubbling. It's a healthy and delicious way to get your veggies in while using up leftovers.

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Top a baked potato with a generous scoop of your leftover ragu — a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives. Also, add grated cheese or a fried egg for extra protein and flavour.

Freezer-Friendly

If you don't plan on eating all the ragu within a few days, freeze the extra portions. It will keep well for up to 3 months and is easily reheated in the microwave or the stovetop when you need a quick and tasty meal. 

Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Ditch Meal Prep Stress: Let Bozu Handle Your Halal Eats

Whipping up gourmet meals every night isn't always realistic. However, that doesn't mean you settle for boring, bland lunches or overpriced takeout though. Let Bozu step in and handle your meal prep so you can focus on what truly matters. 

Our flavour-packed halal dishes are designed to fuel your busy life without sacrificing taste or breaking the bank.

Contact Bozu today, and let us take care of lunch (or dinner, or both!). You'll wonder why you didn't make the switch sooner.