19 Best Italian Ragu Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are few dishes that are more beloved than a rich and hearty ragu. This classic meat sauce is a staple in many Italian households and is a true crowd-pleaser. However, not all ragu recipes are created equal. To truly create the best Italian ragu, there are a few key elements that you need to keep in mind. From the types of meat used to the cooking techniques, here is everything you need to know to make the perfect ragu.
When it comes to flavorful and comforting meals, Italian ragu is a classic choice. This slow-cooked meat sauce is traditionally made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a touch of red wine. The result is a rich and hearty sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or polenta. Here are 20 delicious recipes for authentic Italian ragu that will transport your taste buds to Italy.
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Easy Italian Ragu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Ground Sausage, Onion, Garlic
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious ragu, this easy recipe is for you. Made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and a few simple spices, this sauce comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Authentic Italian Ragu Bolognese
Main Ingredients: Diced Pancetta, Medium Yellow Onion, Large Carrot
Bolognese is a popular variation of Italian ragu, originating from the city of Bologna. This authentic recipe stays true to tradition by using a combination of beef, pork, and pancetta, along with a splash of cream for added richness. The result is a creamy and flavorful sauce that will please any pasta lover.
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Classic Italian Ragu Bolognese Sauce
Main Ingredients: Pancetta, Butter, Minced Onion, Carrot, Celery
For a classic take on Bolognese sauce, look no further than this recipe. Made with ground beef, pork, and veal, along with a variety of vegetables and herbs, this sauce is slowly simmered for hours to develop a deep and complex flavor. Serve it over your favorite pasta and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a truly authentic taste.
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Classic Homemade Pasta Sauce (Italian Ragù)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Carrots, Diced Celery, Salt, Garlic
This recipe for classic Italian ragu is truly a labor of love, but the end result is worth it. Made with a combination of beef, pork, and veal, along with a variety of vegetables and herbs, this sauce is cooked low and slow for several hours to develop a rich and robust flavor. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a truly authentic Italian meal.
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BEST KETO ITALIAN RAGÚ aka BOLOGNESE SAUCE
Main Ingredients: Lean Minced Beef, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shallot
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of Italian ragu. This recipe uses ground beef and pork, along with a variety of herbs and spices, for a flavorful and low-carb sauce. Serve it over zucchini noodles or with a side of cauliflower rice for a satisfying and keto-friendly meal.
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Traditional Italian Bolognese Sauce - Ragu' alla...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Celery Stalk, Olive Oil, Ground Beef
This recipe stays true to traditional Italian methods of making Bolognese sauce, also known as ragu alla Bolognese. Made with a combination of beef, pork, and pancetta, along with a variety of vegetables and herbs, this sauce is simmered for several hours to develop a deep and rich flavor. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a taste of true Italian cuisine.
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Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Carrot, White Onion, Celery, Beef Mince, Pork Mince
For a twist on traditional ragu, try this recipe for Italian beef ragu. Made with tender chunks of beef, along with tomatoes, vegetables, and a variety of herbs and spices, this hearty sauce is perfect for a cold winter night. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
No Italian ragu is complete without a side of meatballs. This recipe for Italian meatballs uses a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, for a perfectly seasoned and tender meatball. Serve them with your favorite pasta and top with a ladle of ragu for a classic Italian dinner.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you prefer your meatballs on the larger side, this recipe is for you. These great big Italian meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with breadcrumbs, herbs, and a touch of milk for added moisture. Serve them with your favorite pasta and ragu for a filling and delicious meal.
Italian wedding soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe uses a combination of beef and pork meatballs, along with vegetables and pasta, in a savory chicken broth. Serve it as a starter or as a main dish for a truly satisfying meal.
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Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta
Main Ingredients: Beef Roast, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves
For a decadent and flavorful meal, try this recipe for Italian braised beef ragu with Parmesan polenta. The beef is slowly cooked with aromatic vegetables and wine until it is fall-apart tender, then served over creamy polenta for a delicious and hearty dish.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you're looking for a keto-friendly meal that still has all the flavors of Italian ragu, try these stuffed peppers. Made with ground beef, pork, and a variety of herbs and spices, these peppers are filled with delicious and keto-friendly ingredients. Serve them with a side of zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
Braciole is a traditional Italian dish made with thin slices of beef, stuffed with a variety of ingredients such as breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then rolled up and simmered in tomato sauce. This recipe stays true to tradition, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish that is perfect for a special occasion.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
No Italian meal is complete without a sweet treat to finish it off. These Italian almond paste cookies are a classic choice, made with ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites, resulting in a soft and chewy cookie that is perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
For a simple and delicious meatball recipe, try this homemade version. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese, these meatballs are perfect for adding to your favorite pasta sauce or for enjoying as a snack.
For a refreshing and flavorful side dish, try this Italian pasta salad. Made with a variety of vegetables, pasta, and a simple Italian dressing, this salad is perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue. You can also add some shredded chicken or salami for a more filling meal.
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Stovetop Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
If you don't have time to let your ragu simmer for hours, this stovetop version is the perfect solution. Made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and a variety of herbs and spices, this sauce comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a quick and delicious meal.
This Italian crescent casserole is a fun and tasty twist on traditional lasagna. Made with crescent roll dough, ground beef, and a variety of Italian spices, this casserole is topped with a layer of cheese for a gooey and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
For a keto-friendly version of classic Italian meatballs, try this recipe. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and almond flour, along with a variety of herbs and spices, these meatballs are perfect for enjoying with zucchini noodles or as a topping for a low-carb pizza.
Choosing the Right Meat
When it comes to making the best Italian ragu, the type of meat you use is crucial. Traditionally, ragu is made with a combination of beef, pork, and veal. This combination of meats creates a depth of flavor and richness that is unmatched. However, if you are unable to find or prefer not to use one of these meats, you can also use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. Just be sure to use high-quality, lean meats to ensure a delicious and flavorful ragu.
The Importance of Slow Cooking
One of the key components of a truly exceptional ragu is the cooking method. Unlike other sauces that can be quickly whipped up on the stovetop, ragu requires a slow and steady cooking process. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a rich and complex sauce. The longer you cook the ragu, the better it will taste. Aim for at least 2-3 hours of simmering, but for the best results, let it cook for up to 6 hours.
Adding Wine for Depth of Flavor
Another secret to making the best Italian ragu is the addition of wine. A good quality red wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, elevating it to new heights. Be sure to use a dry red wine, such as Chianti, and allow it to cook down with the meat and vegetables before adding the tomatoes. This will help to infuse the sauce with the rich flavors of the wine.
Don't Skimp on the Tomatoes
While the meats and cooking method play a crucial role in creating the perfect ragu, the type of tomatoes used cannot be overlooked. For the best results, use whole San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweet and rich flavor. Crush them by hand or with a food mill to create a textured and flavorful sauce. Avoid using canned tomato sauce or puree, as they lack the depth of flavor that whole tomatoes provide.
By following these tips and techniques, you can create a truly authentic and delicious Italian ragu that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Remember to take your time, use high-quality ingredients, and don't be afraid to experiment with flavors to find your perfect recipe. Buon appetito!
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