15 Genuine Italian Ragu Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
As a food lover, there is nothing quite like the taste of a genuine Italian ragu. This classic meat-based sauce originates from the central region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, and has become a staple in Italian cuisine. The traditional recipe has been passed down for generations, with each family adding their own unique twist. In this article, we will share with you a professional and well-organized introduction to the genuine Italian ragu recipe, including its history, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions on how to make it. So, put on your aprons and let's get cooking!
Traditional Italian Bolognese Sauce - Ragu' alla...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Celery Stalk, Olive Oil, Ground Beef
This classic Italian dish is a must-try for any food lover. Made with a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce, tender ground beef, and a blend of herbs and spices, this Bolognese sauce is perfect for topping pasta, rice, or even as a dip for crusty bread. The secret to making the best Bolognese sauce is to let it simmer for hours, allowing all the flavors to blend together and create a mouthwatering dish that will have your taste buds dancing.
2of 20
Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Carrot, White Onion, Celery, Beef Mince, Pork Mince
Similar to the Bolognese sauce, this Italian beef ragu is a hearty and comforting dish that will warm you up on a cold day. Made with chunks of tender beef, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices, this dish is perfect for serving over pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to develop, making this dish a true Italian delight.
3of 20
The Hirshon Italian Genuine Spaghetti Carbonara
Main Ingredients: Yolks, Large Egg, Pecorino Romano, Guanciale
This authentic Italian spaghetti carbonara recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover. Made with crispy pancetta, creamy eggs, and a generous amount of parmesan cheese, this dish is rich, indulgent, and full of flavor. The key to making the perfect carbonara is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the pasta al dente, giving it the perfect texture to soak up all the delicious sauce.
No Italian meal is complete without a plate of homemade meatballs. These tender and flavorful meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and a variety of herbs and spices. Serve them over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
5of 20
Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you want to take your meatballs to the next level, try making these giant Italian meatballs. Made with the same delicious blend of meats and spices, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a true Italian feast.
This hearty and comforting soup is a staple in Italian households. Made with a flavorful broth, tender meatballs, vegetables, and pasta, this soup is a complete meal in itself. It's perfect for a chilly day or when you're feeling under the weather.
7of 20
Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta
Main Ingredients: Beef Roast, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves
Braised beef ragu with parmesan polenta is a classic Italian dish that is sure to impress. The beef is slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce, then served over creamy polenta and topped with parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious meal.
8of 20
Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you're on a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on delicious Italian flavors. These stuffed peppers are made with a low-carb filling of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella cheese. They make a great weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Braciole, or rolled-up beef, is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a special occasion. Thinly sliced beef is filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then rolled up and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It's a labor of love, but the end result is well worth it.
10of 20
Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
In Italy, it's tradition to have a variety of cookies for special occasions. These Italian almond paste cookies are a must-have on any cookie tray. Made with almond paste, eggs, and sugar, these cookies are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. They're also gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
11of 20
Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
There's nothing quite like a homemade meatball, and this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, along with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices, these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for topping your favorite pasta or making a meatball sub.
This refreshing and flavorful pasta salad is a perfect side dish for any summer gathering. Made with a variety of colorful veggies, pasta, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is a great addition to any BBQ or potluck. It's also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you may have in your fridge.
13of 20
Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
If you're a fan of ravioli, you have to try this creamy Italian version. Stuffed with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs, these ravioli are then topped with a creamy tomato and basil sauce. It's a simple yet delicious dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
14of 20
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 a great alternative. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices, this ragu is full of flavor and can be ready in under an hour. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
This easy and delicious casserole is made with crescent roll dough, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses. It's a great option for a weeknight meal when you don't have a lot of time to cook. Serve it with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Another great option for those following a keto diet, these meatballs are made with ground pork, almond flour, and a variety of Italian herbs and spices. They're perfect for topping zucchini noodles or enjoying on their own as a snack or appetizer.
These stuffed mushrooms are a great appetizer for any Italian-themed gathering. Made with Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese, they're full of flavor and easy to make. They're also a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
18of 20
Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy homemade meatballs, this recipe is for you. Made with only a few ingredients, including frozen meatballs, this dish can be ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it with your favorite pasta or use the meatballs for a meatball sub.
19of 20
Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
This sheet pan dinner is perfect for a busy weeknight. Chicken breasts are marinated in a variety of Italian spices, then roasted with potatoes, peppers, and onions. It's a complete meal that's easy to prepare and clean up.
20of 20
Bolognese Sauce (Ragu alla Bolognese)
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Finely Chopped
This classic Bolognese sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine. Made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and pancetta, along with a variety of herbs and vegetables, this sauce is rich, flavorful, and perfect for topping your favorite pasta. Let it simmer for a few hours to allow all the flavors to develop and serve it over a bed of al dente pasta for a truly authentic Italian experience.
The History of Ragu
The Origins
The origins of ragu can be traced back to the 18th century when it was first created in Bologna, Italy. The word "ragu" comes from the French term "ragout," which means "to stimulate the appetite." It was initially a peasant dish, made with leftover meat and vegetables, slow-cooked for hours to develop a rich and hearty flavor.
The Evolution
Over time, ragu evolved into a more refined dish, with the addition of tomatoes and wine. It gained popularity in the 19th century when it became a staple in the diets of wealthy Italians. Today, genuine Italian ragu is enjoyed all over the world, with variations in different regions of Italy.
The Ingredients
The Meat
The key ingredient in genuine Italian ragu is the meat. Traditionally, a mixture of beef, pork, and veal is used, but you can also use just one type of meat. The meat is slowly cooked in a combination of olive oil, onions, celery, and carrots until it becomes tender and falls apart.
The Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a crucial element in the sauce, adding a tangy sweetness and rich color. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are preferred, but you can also use canned tomatoes. They are added to the meat mixture, along with tomato paste, and simmered for hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
The Wine
A good quality red wine is essential in genuine Italian ragu. It adds depth and complexity to the sauce. The alcohol content cooks off, leaving behind a rich and robust flavor. Make sure to use a wine that you would drink, as the quality of the wine will affect the taste of the sauce.
The Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large pot and sear the meat until it turns brown on all sides. Remove the meat and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté onions, celery, and carrots until they are soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Add the Meat and Tomatoes
Return the meat to the pot and add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and a cup of red wine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 3-4 hours.
Step 4: Shred the Meat
Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it. Return the meat to the pot and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your genuine Italian ragu is now ready to be served! Enjoy it over your favorite pasta, or as a filling for lasagna or cannelloni.
In conclusion, genuine Italian ragu is a timeless and delicious dish that has stood the test of time. Its rich and hearty flavors make it the perfect comfort food, and its versatility allows for endless variations. So, why not try making your own genuine Italian ragu at home and experience the authentic taste of Italy? Buon appetito!
