18 Italian Tomato Ragu Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
The Italian tomato ragu is a classic recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. This hearty sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and is commonly used in dishes such as pasta, lasagna, and meatballs. The rich and flavorful tomato ragu is a perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and tender meat, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Garlic Cloves, Tomato, Fresh Mushrooms, Dried
Spice up your dinner routine with this delicious twist on traditional Italian flavors. These zucchini boats are stuffed with a flavorful combination of ground chicken, bell peppers, and Italian spices. Plus, they're a healthier alternative to traditional stuffed peppers since they use zucchini instead of bell peppers. Serve them with a side of al dente spaghetti for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Traditional Italian Bolognese Sauce - Ragu' alla...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Celery Stalk, Olive Oil, Ground Beef
No list of Italian recipes is complete without a classic Bolognese sauce. This traditional sauce is made with a combination of ground beef and pork, along with aromatic vegetables and herbs. It's simmered for hours to develop a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of umami flavor.
Meatballs are a staple in Italian cuisine and for good reason. These juicy and flavorful polpette can be served as an appetizer, added to spaghetti and meatballs, or used in a variety of other dishes. They're made with a combination of ground beef and pork, along with breadcrumbs, herbs, and pecorino cheese. Be sure to make a big batch, because they're always a crowd-pleaser!
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Italian Sausage Casserole
Main Ingredients: Milk, Chicken Broth, Polenta, Salt, Bulk Italian
This hearty casserole is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. It's made with spicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, and potatoes, all baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. The best part? It's a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. Serve with a crusty slice of Italian bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
This ragu recipe is a classic from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It's made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and pancetta, along with a flavorful combination of vegetables and herbs. What sets this ragu apart is the addition of red wine, which adds a rich depth of flavor. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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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. It uses pre-made marinara sauce as a base, along with ground beef, Italian sausage, and a variety of herbs and spices. The result is a flavorful and hearty sauce that tastes like it's been simmering all day. Serve over your favorite pasta for a quick and easy dinner.
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Ragù Alla Bolognese | Authentic Bolognese Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Tomato, Tomato Paste, White
For an authentic taste of Italy, try this ragu alla Bolognese recipe. It's made with a combination of ground beef and pork, along with aromatic vegetables and white wine. The key to this sauce is patience, as it needs to simmer for several hours to develop its rich and complex flavor. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
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Italian Braised Pork Shoulder Ragu
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Pork Shoulder, Salt, Pepper, Onion, Carrot
This hearty and flavorful ragu is made with tender braised pork shoulder, along with a variety of Italian herbs and red wine. It's a perfect Sunday dinner dish, as it requires a bit of time to cook but is well worth the wait. Serve with your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Authentic Italian Ragu Bolognese
Main Ingredients: Diced Pancetta, Medium Yellow Onion, Large Carrot
This traditional Bolognese sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine. It's made with a combination of ground beef and pork, along with a flavorful combination of vegetables and herbs. What sets this ragu apart is the addition of pancetta and milk, which adds a rich depth of flavor. Serve with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg on top for a unique and delicious touch.
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Authentic Italian Chicken Parmesan (Parmigiana)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, All Purpose Flour, Eggs, Olive Oil
This classic Italian dish is a must-try for any chicken lover. Tender and juicy chicken breasts are breaded, fried, and then topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It's then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side of spaghetti for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta
Main Ingredients: Beef Roast, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves
This hearty and flavorful ragu is made with tender braised beef, along with a variety of Italian herbs and red wine. It's served over creamy parmesan polenta for a delicious and comforting meal. The polenta soaks up all the delicious flavors of the ragu, making each bite a burst of Italian goodness.
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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 lifestyle, you don't have to miss out on the delicious flavors of Italian cooking. This keto-friendly ragu is made with ground beef and pork, along with a variety of herbs and spices. It's served over zucchini noodles for a low-carb and satisfying meal. Top with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of freshness.
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Italian Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies
Main Ingredients: Cremini Mushrooms, Cauliflower, Tomatoes, Garlic, Olive
This simple and flavorful side dish is the perfect addition to any Italian meal. A variety of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers are tossed with olive oil and Italian herbs and roasted until tender. Serve alongside your favorite main dish for a healthy and delicious meal.
Looking for a fresh and flavorful salad to complement your Italian meal? This chopped salad is the perfect choice. It's made with a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, along with salami and prosciutto. Toss with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing for a bright and refreshing salad.
This hearty and flavorful sandwich is a meal in itself. Layers of sliced meats, cheeses, and vegetables are stacked on top of a crusty Italian ciabatta bread. It's then pressed and toasted until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
This traditional Italian dish is made with salt cod, which is a type of preserved fish. The cod is soaked to remove the salt, then cooked with a flavorful combination of tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. It's a unique and delicious dish that is often served during the holidays in Italian households.
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Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
Ravioli is a classic Italian dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. This creamy version is made with a combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, and parmesan cheese. The ravioli is then cooked in a creamy tomato sauce and topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to please.
For a refreshing and flavorful side dish, try this Italian pasta salad. It's made with your choice of pasta, along with a variety of vegetables, cheese, and cured meats. Toss it with a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing for a bright and tangy flavor. It's the perfect complement to any Italian meal.
This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a chilly evening. Lentils are simmered with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, celery, and tomatoes, along with Italian sausage for added flavor and protein. Serve with a slice of crusty Italian bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Ragù Bolognese (Authentic Bolognese Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Carrots, Celery Heart, Garlic Cloves, Pancetta
For the ultimate taste of Italy, try this authentic Bolognese sauce. It's made with a combination of ground beef and pork, along with a flavorful combination of vegetables and herbs. The addition of pancetta and milk gives this ragu a rich and complex flavor. Serve over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
The Secret to a Perfect Italian Tomato Ragu
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
One of the key elements to a perfect Italian tomato ragu is the cooking time. This sauce needs to be cooked slowly and at a low temperature to allow all the flavors to fully develop. This process can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, but the end result is worth the wait. The longer the sauce cooks, the richer and more concentrated the flavors become, resulting in a velvety smooth and delicious ragu.
Use the Right Ingredients
To make a traditional Italian tomato ragu, you need to use the right ingredients. The main ingredients include tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and meat. While you can use any type of tomatoes, it is recommended to use San Marzano tomatoes as they have a sweeter and less acidic flavor, making them perfect for a sauce. For the meat, a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal is often used to add depth and richness to the sauce.
Don't Skimp on the Herbs
Herbs are an essential part of any Italian dish, and the same goes for a tomato ragu. The most commonly used herbs in this sauce are basil, oregano, and parsley. These herbs not only add flavor but also help to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Fresh herbs are always preferred, but if you don't have access to them, dried herbs can also be used.
Make it Your Own
While there are traditional methods and ingredients for making an Italian tomato ragu, don't be afraid to add your own twist to the recipe. You can experiment with different types of meat, add in some vegetables like carrots or mushrooms, or even use a splash of wine for added depth of flavor. The beauty of this sauce is that it can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
In conclusion, the Italian tomato ragu is a timeless recipe that has stood the test of time. It requires patience, the right ingredients, and a little bit of creativity to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. So next time you're craving a hearty and comforting Italian meal, why not try making your own tomato ragu from scratch? Your taste buds will thank you.
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