15 Italian Ragu Recipe Frugal Gourmet Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
The Italian ragu recipe is a staple in many households, and for good reason. This hearty and flavorful sauce is the perfect accompaniment to pasta, and can be used in a variety of other dishes as well. But what makes a good ragu? And how can you make it frugal without sacrificing flavor? In this article, we'll delve into the world of Italian ragu and share a budget-friendly recipe from the Frugal Gourmet himself.
Traditional Italian Bolognese Sauce - Ragu' alla...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Celery Stalk, Olive Oil, Ground Beef
Bolognese sauce, also known as Ragu' alla Bolognese, is a classic Italian meat-based sauce that is commonly used in pasta dishes. This rich and hearty sauce is made with a combination of ground beef, pancetta, vegetables, and tomatoes. It is slowly simmered for hours to develop a deep and complex flavor that is perfect for topping your favorite pasta or even as a filling for lasagna. Here is a traditional Italian Bolognese sauce recipe that will have you feeling like you're dining in a small trattoria in Italy.
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Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Carrot, White Onion, Celery, Beef Mince, Pork Mince
If you are craving a hearty and comforting Italian dish, then look no further than Italian Beef Ragu. This dish consists of tender beef cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. The beef is slowly braised until it is fall-apart tender and then served over your favorite pasta. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests at a dinner party.
Italian meatballs are a staple in Italian cuisine and are commonly served with pasta or in a sub sandwich. These meatballs are typically made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. They are then fried until crispy on the outside and served in a delicious tomato sauce. You can also make them smaller and serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking.
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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, then you will love these Great Big Italian Meatballs. They are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. The key to making these meatballs extra flavorful is to brown them in a hot skillet before adding them to a simmering tomato sauce to finish cooking. Serve them over your favorite pasta for a filling and delicious meal.
Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for a chilly day. Contrary to its name, it is not typically served at Italian weddings, but it is a popular dish at Italian-American restaurants. This soup is made with a flavorful broth, tender meatballs, vegetables, and pasta. It is known for its heartiness and is often served as a main dish rather than an appetizer.
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Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta
Main Ingredients: Beef Roast, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves
This Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta is a perfect dish for a special occasion or a dinner party. The beef is slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce until it is melt-in-your-mouth tender. The polenta is made creamy and decadent with the addition of Parmesan cheese. This dish may take some time to prepare, but the end result is well worth the effort.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you are following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on delicious Italian flavors. These Keto Stuffed Peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, tomatoes, herbs, and cheese. The peppers are then baked until they are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Braciole, also known as Involtini, is a classic Italian dish that features thinly sliced beef that is stuffed and rolled with a flavorful filling. The most common filling is a combination of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs. The braciole is then cooked in a rich and hearty tomato sauce until it is tender and bursting with flavor. This dish is often served as a main course with a side of pasta.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
For those with a sweet tooth, these Italian Almond Paste Cookies are a must-try. They are made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, giving them a chewy and slightly crispy texture. These cookies are often shaped into crescents and topped with sliced almonds before being baked to golden perfection. They are a classic Italian treat that is perfect for any occasion.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
While store-bought meatballs can be convenient, there is nothing quite like homemade Italian meatballs. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices. These meatballs are also perfect for freezing, so you can make a big batch and have them on hand for quick and easy meals. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a classic Italian dish.
Italian pasta salad is a popular dish at potlucks and picnics, and for good reason. It is easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is always a crowd-pleaser. This salad features a combination of pasta, vegetables, cured meats, and cheese, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. It is the perfect side dish for any summer gathering.
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Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
Ravioli is a classic Italian pasta dish that features soft and pillowy pasta pockets filled with a flavorful filling. This recipe takes it up a notch by topping the ravioli with a creamy and decadent sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you are craving a comforting and indulgent meal.
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Stovetop Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
If you are short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious beef ragu, then this Stovetop Beef Ragu recipe is for you. It is a quick and easy version of the classic Italian dish, using ground beef instead of braising a whole cut of meat. The result is still a flavorful and hearty sauce that can be served over your favorite pasta or used as a filling for lasagna.
This Italian Crescent Casserole is a fun and creative twist on traditional Italian dishes. It features a mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and Italian seasonings, all topped with a layer of crescent roll dough. The result is a comforting and flavorful casserole that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For those following a keto diet, these Keto Italian Meatballs are a must-try. They are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and Parmesan cheese, along with Italian seasonings. These meatballs are then baked until crispy and served with a flavorful tomato sauce. They are a delicious and satisfying meal that won't derail your diet.
Stuffed mushrooms are a popular appetizer in Italian cuisine, and this recipe takes it to the next level by using Italian sausage in the filling. The sausage is mixed with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs and then stuffed into mushroom caps and baked until golden and crispy. These stuffed mushrooms are perfect for entertaining or as a tasty snack.
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Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
For those nights when you need dinner on the table in a hurry, these Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs are the answer. They are made with a combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, and can be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
Sheet pan meals are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and this Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner is no exception. It features chicken breasts, potatoes, and vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful Italian seasoning blend and roasted in the oven. The result is a complete and delicious meal that requires minimal effort and clean-up.
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Bolognese Sauce (Ragu alla Bolognese)
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Finely Chopped
Bolognese sauce, also known as Ragu alla Bolognese, is a staple in Italian cuisine. This rich and flavorful tomato-based meat sauce is perfect for topping your favorite pasta and is also commonly used in lasagna. This recipe uses a combination of ground beef, pancetta, and vegetables, along with a touch of cream, to create a creamy and indulgent sauce that is sure to impress.
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Hearty Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Garlic Cloves, Large Carrots, Celery
On a cold and rainy day, there is nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup to warm you up. This soup is loaded with tender beef, vegetables, and herbs, and is cooked until the flavors have melded together to create a rich and comforting broth. Serve it with some crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.
The Secret to a Good Ragu
When it comes to Italian ragu, the secret lies in the slow cooking process. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together, creating a rich and robust sauce. The traditional ragu recipe calls for a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, but this can be expensive. To keep it frugal, you can opt for a single type of ground meat or even use leftover cooked meat from a previous meal. This not only saves money, but also adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
Using Vegetables
Another way to make a frugal ragu is by incorporating vegetables into the recipe. Not only do they add more nutrients to the dish, but they also stretch the meat and make it go further. Onions, carrots, and celery are commonly used in ragu recipes, but you can also add in other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. These additions not only add flavor and texture, but also make the dish more budget-friendly.
Don't Skimp on the Herbs and Spices
While a good ragu doesn't require a long list of ingredients, it does call for a variety of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. Some essential herbs and spices for a traditional Italian ragu include oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves. These can be found at a reasonable price at most grocery stores, and a little goes a long way in terms of flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find the perfect combination for your taste.
Frugal Gourmet's Ragu Recipe
Now that you know the secrets to a good ragu, let's take a look at a budget-friendly recipe from the Frugal Gourmet himself, Jeff Smith. This recipe calls for ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices. The result is a delicious and hearty ragu that won't break the bank. Serve it over your favorite pasta or use it in dishes like lasagna or baked ziti for a budget-friendly meal.
In Conclusion
Italian ragu is a versatile and delicious sauce that can be made frugal without sacrificing flavor. By using a combination of meat and vegetables, along with the right herbs and spices, you can create a budget-friendly ragu that will please the whole family. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and affordable this classic Italian dish can be?
