Ragout, also known as "ragù" in Italian, is a popular and versatile sauce that has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. This hearty and flavorful sauce is traditionally made with a combination of meats and vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection. While there are countless variations of this classic sauce, here is a traditional Italian ragout recipe that will surely impress your taste buds.
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Olive Oil, Ground Round, Peppercorns
Looking for a unique and delicious twist on traditional lasagna? Try making lasagna cupcakes! These individual servings are perfect for parties or a fun family dinner. Plus, they can be made two ways – classic beef and cheese or vegetarian with spinach and ricotta.
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Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Carrot, White Onion, Celery, Beef Mince, Pork Mince
There’s nothing quite like a hearty and flavorful beef ragu. This classic Italian dish is made with slow-cooked beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs and spices. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Italian Goulash
Main Ingredients: Ragu, Ground Beef, Elbow Macaroni, Grated Parmesan
Goulash may be a Hungarian dish, but this Italian version is just as tasty. With tender beef, tomatoes, and a variety of Italian seasonings, this hearty stew is the perfect comfort food for a cold evening. Serve it with crusty bread for a filling meal.
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Pappardelle with Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Roast, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh
Pappardelle is a type of wide and flat pasta that is perfect for soaking up all the flavors of a rich and flavorful beef ragu. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or just a cozy night in. Don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top!
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Baked Rigatoni with Brisket Ragu and Ricotta
Main Ingredients: Beef Brisket, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Olive
For a twist on traditional lasagna, try using rigatoni instead of lasagna noodles. This hearty and cheesy dish is filled with tender brisket ragu and creamy ricotta cheese. It’s a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love.
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Crock Pot Rustic Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Beef Roast, Olive Oil, Fresh Rosemary, Red Onion
If you love the flavors of a beef ragu but don’t want to spend hours cooking it, try making it in your slow cooker. This recipe is so easy and results in a tender and flavorful ragu that is perfect for serving over pasta or polenta.
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Sartù di riso (Neapolitan Rice Timbale)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Red Wine
Sartù di riso is a traditional Neapolitan dish that is perfect for a special occasion. It consists of layers of rice, meat, and vegetables, all wrapped in a golden crust. It may take a bit of time and effort to make, but the end result is definitely worth it.
No Italian meal is complete without a plate of delicious meatballs. These tender and flavorful meatballs are perfect for serving over pasta, on a sandwich, or as a party appetizer. Make a big batch and freeze them for a quick and easy meal anytime.
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Instant Pot Italian Beef Ragu with Pappardelle
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck Roast, Salt, Ground Black Pepper
If you love the convenience of an Instant Pot, you’ll love this recipe for Italian beef ragu with pappardelle. The pressure cooker helps to infuse the flavors of the beef and herbs, resulting in a rich and delicious sauce. Serve it over pappardelle for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Italian Cheese Steak French Bread Pizza
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Chuck Steak, Ragu, Cheese
Who says pizza has to be round? This Italian cheese steak French bread pizza is a fun and delicious twist on the traditional pizza. It’s loaded with tender strips of beef, peppers, onions, and plenty of cheese. It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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Italian Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper, Onions
Trying to eat healthier but still craving your favorite Italian dishes? This recipe for Italian shrimp and zucchini noodles is the perfect solution. The “zoodles” are made from spiralized zucchini and serve as a tasty and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Plus, the shrimp adds a delicious and protein-packed element to the dish.
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Beef Ragu Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Ragu, Lasagna Noodles, Ricotta Cheese, Sea Salt, Dried
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. This version is made with a rich and flavorful beef ragu, layers of creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Lasagna Soup
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Small Yellow Onion, Green Bell
If you love the flavors of lasagna but want something a little easier and quicker to make, try this recipe for lasagna soup. It has all the same delicious elements of traditional lasagna, but in a comforting and warming soup form. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Easy Lasagna Soup
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ragu, Pasta Sauce
Short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of lasagna? This easy lasagna soup is the perfect solution. It’s made with simple and readily available ingredients, but still has all the delicious flavors of a classic lasagna. It’s a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love.
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Spaghetti and Meatballs with Fresh Garden Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Lean Ground Beef, Italian Seasoned Dry Bread
This recipe for spaghetti and meatballs takes a healthier twist by adding fresh garden vegetables to the mix. The meatballs are made with lean ground beef and the spaghetti is loaded with zucchini, peppers, and onions. It’s a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for summer when gardens are overflowing with veggies.
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Easy Homemade Lasagna With Meat Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ground Sausage, Lean Ground Beef, Mozzarella Cheese
Homemade lasagna may seem intimidating, but this easy recipe proves that anyone can make a delicious lasagna from scratch. The meat sauce is made with ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs, and the lasagna is layered with plenty of cheese and noodles. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for any night of the week.
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Quick Pasta e Fagioli
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Salt, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pasta e fagioli, or pasta and beans, is a classic Italian dish that is both hearty and healthy. This quick version uses canned beans and ready-made pasta sauce for an easy and delicious meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Lasagna Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Green Peppers, Spaghetti, Lean Ground Beef, Onion
For a fun and creative twist on traditional lasagna, try making lasagna stuffed peppers. The peppers are filled with all the same delicious elements of lasagna – meat, cheese, and sauce – but in a cute and convenient pepper vessel. It’s a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies!
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Cheesy Bowtie Pasta & Italian Sausage Bake
Main Ingredients: Bowtie Pasta, Mild Italian Sausage, Onion, Ragu, Grated
This recipe for cheesy bowtie pasta and Italian sausage bake is a crowd-pleaser. It’s made with cooked sausage, bowtie pasta, and plenty of cheese, all baked together in a creamy and flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for a potluck or a family dinner.
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Italian Quinoa Skillet Meal
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Water, Ragu, Mozzarella Cheese, Prosciutto
For a healthier twist on traditional Italian dishes, try this Italian quinoa skillet meal. It’s loaded with protein-packed quinoa, ground turkey, and plenty of vegetables. It’s a one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Traditional Italian Ragout Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 large onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced mushrooms
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 cup red wine
1 cup beef broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned.
Add the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, red wine, and beef broth. Add the bay leaf, oregano, basil, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the ragout simmer for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavor will be.
Once the ragout is done simmering, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve the ragout over your choice of pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tip: For a thicker and heartier sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the pot when adding the crushed tomatoes.
This traditional Italian ragout recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests at your next dinner party. The slow-cooking process allows for all the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and savory sauce that pairs well with any type of pasta. So gather your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!