19 Real Italian Ragu Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Alongside pizza, ragu is considered to be one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Italian cuisine. While it may seem like a simple dish with a few ingredients, there is actually a lot of technique and tradition that goes into making a truly authentic ragu. In this real Italian ragu recipe, we will break down the key components and steps to create a rich and flavorful ragu that will transport you straight to the streets of Italy.
Get a taste of Italy with this authentic Italian ragu recipe. Made with a rich tomato sauce and tender beef, this dish is bursting with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Once the beef is fully cooked, add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, red wine, and a bay leaf. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cover the pot and let the ragu simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. Serve over your favorite pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
2of 18
Easy Italian Ragu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Ground Sausage, Onion, Garlic
This easy Italian ragu sauce is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a delicious and comforting meal. Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is a lifesaver.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in a can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Serve over your favorite pasta or use it as a base for a delicious lasagna. This easy Italian ragu sauce is versatile and can be used in many different dishes.
3of 18
Authentic Italian Ragu Bolognese
Main Ingredients: Diced Pancetta, Medium Yellow Onion, Large Carrot
This authentic Italian ragu bolognese is a classic dish that has been passed down for generations. Made with a rich meat sauce and served over pasta, this dish is true comfort food at its finest.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add ground beef and pork to the pot and cook until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, red wine, and a bay leaf. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cover the pot and let the ragu simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. Serve over your favorite pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
4of 18
Classic Italian Ragu Bolognese Sauce
Main Ingredients: Pancetta, Butter, Minced Onion, Carrot, Celery
This classic Italian ragu bolognese sauce is a staple in many Italian households. Made with a base of tomatoes and a variety of meats, this sauce is hearty and flavorful.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add ground beef, pork, and pancetta to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Serve over your favorite pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This classic Italian ragu bolognese sauce is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
5of 18
Classic Homemade Pasta Sauce (Italian Ragù)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Carrots, Diced Celery, Salt, Garlic
This classic homemade pasta sauce, also known as Italian ragu, is a must-try for any pasta lover. Made from scratch with a combination of ground beef and pork, this sauce is rich and full of flavor.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add ground beef and pork to the pot and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, red wine, and a bay leaf. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cover the pot and let the ragu simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. Serve over your favorite pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
6of 18
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 delicious Italian food. This keto Italian ragu, also known as bolognese sauce, is low in carbs and high in flavor.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Serve over zucchini noodles or your favorite low-carb pasta alternative for a satisfying and keto-friendly meal.
7of 18
Traditional Italian Bolognese Sauce - Ragu' alla...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Celery Stalk, Olive Oil, Ground Beef
This traditional Italian bolognese sauce, also known as ragu' alla bolognese, is a beloved dish that originated in Bologna, Italy. Made with a combination of meats and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is a true taste of Italy.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add ground beef, pork, and pancetta to the pot and cook until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cover the pot and let the ragu simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. Serve over your favorite pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Buon appetito!
8of 18
Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Carrot, White Onion, Celery, Beef Mince, Pork Mince
This Italian beef ragu is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a chilly evening. Made with tender beef, a rich tomato sauce, and fragrant herbs, this dish is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until softened. Add beef stew meat and cook until browned.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the beef is tender. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Serve over your favorite pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This Italian beef ragu is a delicious twist on the classic bolognese sauce.
No Italian meal is complete without a plate of delicious meatballs. These Italian meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for serving over pasta or as an appetizer.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined, then shape into small balls.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and add the meatballs back to the skillet. Let simmer for about 30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are fully cooked. Serve over your favorite pasta.
10of 18
Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
These great big Italian meatballs are a show-stopping dish that is perfect for a special occasion. Made with a blend of beef and pork, these meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined, then shape into large balls.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and add the meatballs back to the skillet. Let simmer for about 30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are fully cooked. Serve over your favorite pasta.
This classic Italian wedding soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. Made with tender meatballs, vegetables, and pasta, this soup is a meal on its own.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. In a separate bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined, then shape into small balls. Add the meatballs to the soup and let cook for about 15 minutes.
Stir in chopped spinach and your favorite small pasta, such as ditalini or orzo. Let cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked. Serve hot and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
12of 18
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 delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion. The tender beef is braised in a rich tomato sauce and served over creamy polenta.
Season beef chuck roast with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the beef. Cook until browned on all sides, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, and a bay leaf.
Return the beef to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cover and let cook for about 2 hours, until the beef is tender and falls apart easily. Serve over Parmesan polenta, made by cooking polenta according to package instructions and stirring in grated Parmesan cheese.
13of 18
Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
These keto stuffed peppers are a delicious and low-carb twist on the classic Italian dish. Made with ground beef, cauliflower rice, and a flavorful tomato sauce, these peppers are a satisfying and healthy meal.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in cauliflower rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes, until the cauliflower rice is fully cooked.
Cut the tops off of bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Stuff the peppers with the beef and cauliflower mixture and place in a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This authentic Italian braciole recipe is a beloved dish that is often served on special occasions. Thin slices of beef are rolled up with a flavorful filling and simmered in a delicious tomato sauce.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Place thin slices of beef on a flat surface and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Top with a layer of prosciutto, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Roll up the beef slices and secure with toothpicks.
In the same skillet, brown the beef rolls on all sides. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Serve over your favorite pasta.
15of 18
Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
These homemade Italian meatballs are a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. Made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and flavorful herbs and spices, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined, then shape into small balls.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and add the meatballs back to the skillet. Let simmer for about 30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are fully cooked. Serve over your favorite pasta.
16of 18
Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
These Italian almond paste cookies, also known as pignoli cookies, are a sweet and delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. Made with almond paste and pine nuts, these cookies are soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
In a large bowl, mix together almond paste, sugar, and egg whites until well combined. Roll the dough into small balls and coat in pine nuts. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Let cool before serving.
This Italian pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer picnics and barbecues. Made with a variety of colorful vegetables, pasta, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and sliced red onion. Toss with Italian dressing and let chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
18of 18
Stovetop Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
This stovetop beef ragu is a quick and easy version of the classic Italian dish. Made with ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and fragrant herbs, this dish is full of flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
When it comes to making a delicious ragu, the quality of ingredients is crucial. It is important to source fresh, authentic ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, high-quality olive oil, and Italian herbs. These ingredients will provide the base of flavors that are essential for an authentic ragu. Additionally, using quality meats such as ground beef, veal, and pork will elevate the dish and add depth to the flavors.
The Secret to a Perfectly Thickened Sauce
One of the most important elements of a ragu is the sauce. It should be thick and rich, coating each strand of pasta and bringing all the flavors together. The secret to achieving this is to simmer the sauce for a longer period of time. This allows the ingredients to fully blend and the sauce to reduce, creating a thick and flavorful base. Additionally, adding a splash of red wine to the sauce will add depth and richness to the flavors.
The Art of Proper Seasoning
Seasoning is another crucial element in making a ragu. It is important to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process. Adding salt and pepper in small increments will help to build flavor without overpowering the dish. It is also important to add fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme in the last few minutes of cooking to preserve their freshness and add a pop of flavor.
Serving and Enjoying Ragu
Once the ragu is finished, it is traditionally served over freshly cooked pasta such as spaghetti or tagliatelle. However, it can also be enjoyed with polenta, gnocchi, or even on its own. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor. And of course, no Italian meal is complete without a glass of wine to accompany it.
In Conclusion
There is no better way to experience the flavors of Italy than with a homemade ragu. With a few key ingredients and proper techniques, you can create a real Italian ragu that will impress your family and friends. So next time you're craving some authentic Italian cuisine, try your hand at this ragu recipe and transport your taste buds straight to Italy.
