What exactly is a meat ragu?
Ragu is a classic Italian sauce made with a mix of ground meat, vegetables, and tomatoes. It is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. While there are variations of ragu, the most authentic recipe originates from Bologna, Italy.
Ingredients you will need:
- 500g ground beef
- 500g ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 400g canned diced tomatoes
- 200ml red wine
- 500ml beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil and add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender and aromatic.
Step 2: Brown the meat
Add the ground beef and pork to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients
Pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Let it simmer
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the ragu simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper and richer the flavors will become. If the sauce starts drying out, you can add more beef broth or water as needed.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Your authentic Italian meat ragu is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it over your favorite pasta, such as tagliatelle or rigatoni, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Buon appetito!
Now that you know how to make an authentic Italian meat ragu, impress your family and friends with this flavorful dish. Don’t be surprised if they start asking for your secret recipe!
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation, so feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients according to your taste. It’s time to unleash your inner Italian chef!