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Ragu Sauce (Italian Meat Sauce)

Ragu Sauce (Italian Meat Sauce)
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A simple and flavorful Ragu Sauce (Italian Meat Sauce) recipe perfect for quick family dinners and authentic Italian meals. This hearty sauce blends ground beef and pork with ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and hints of red wine and cream to create a rich, comforting base that elevates any pasta dish. Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing authentic Italian flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomatoes and Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1–2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Base: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté gently until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, creating the perfect soffritto foundation.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and pork to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, ensuring the meat develops rich, caramelized flavors.
  3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about a minute to deepen and concentrate the tomato base flavor.
  4. Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all the tasty browned bits. Let it simmer until mostly evaporated to add a complex layer to your sauce.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, basil, and oregano. Season lightly with salt and pepper to start building the final flavor.
  6. Simmer Slowly: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce gently bubble for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help flavors meld beautifully.
  7. Finish with Milk or Cream: Stir in milk or cream to mellow the acidity and create a silky texture. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving over your favorite pasta.

Notes

  • Use quality meat with some fat content to keep the sauce juicy and flavorful.
  • Patience is key: slow simmering develops richer, more complex flavors than rushing the cooking.
  • Don’t skip the wine; it enhances depth and balances the natural sweetness of tomatoes.
  • Chop vegetables finely to ensure a smooth sauce texture and even flavor distribution.
  • Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld harmoniously.
  • Ragu sauce improves in flavor after sitting overnight, making it great for make-ahead meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: ragu sauce, italian meat sauce, pasta sauce, ground beef sauce, italian recipe, meat ragu, quick dinner, family meal, authentic italian

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/ragu-sauce-italian-meat-sauce/