Welcome back to the kitchen, where today we’re diving into the art of Italian cuisine with a timeless classic: Ragu. This hearty meat-based sauce is a staple in Italian households, known for its rich flavors and comforting aroma that fills the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Who is This Recipe For?
This ragu recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their pasta game or impress dinner guests with a hearty and delicious meal. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet satisfying. Additionally, this recipe is great for families, as it can be made in large batches and freezes beautifully for future meals.
Why It’s Great
What sets this ragu recipe apart is its simplicity and depth of flavor. By using a combination of aromatic vegetables, quality ground meat, and slow cooking techniques, we’re able to coax out the natural sweetness of the ingredients and develop a rich, complex sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients(Ragu Recipe)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions(Ragu Recipe)
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef and pork. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove bay leaves and discard.
- Serve the ragu over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Ragu Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Onion Finely Chopped
- 2 Carrots Peeled and Diced
- 2 Celery Stalks Diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 1 Pound Ground Pork
- 1 Can 28 Ounces Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 Cup Beef Broth
- 1/2 Cup Red Wine
- 2 Bay Leaves
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Fresh Basil Chopped, for Garnish
- Grated Parmesan Cheese for Serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef and pork. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove bay leaves and discard.
- Serve the ragu over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely with a dish this delicious), simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the ragu in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Food and Drink Pairings
This hearty ragu pairs beautifully with a variety of pasta shapes, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or pappardelle. For a complete Italian meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread. And don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of the same red wine you used in the sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
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FAQ(Ragu Recipe)
- Can I make Ragu recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, you can easily adapt Ragu recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and pork and increasing the amount of vegetables in the sauce.
- What type of meat can I use for Ragu recipe?
- Ragu recipe traditionally calls for a combination of ground beef and pork, but you can also use just one type of meat or even ground turkey or chicken.
- Can I make Ragu recipe in a slow cooker?
- Absolutely! You can adapt Ragu recipe for a slow cooker by following the initial steps, then transferring the mixture to your slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- How long can I store leftovers of Ragu recipe?
- Leftover Ragu recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What are some food pairings for Ragu recipe?
- Ragu recipe pairs deliciously with a variety of pasta shapes like fettuccine or rigatoni. Serve it alongside a green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete Italian meal.
Conclusion
Now that you have the secrets to making the perfect homemade ragu, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Whether you’re serving it to your family on a cozy night in or impressing guests at your next dinner party, this rustic and flavorful sauce is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious culinary inspiration. Buon appetito!
