Description
This Tuscan Ragu Recipe is a hearty and flavorful Italian meat sauce that is perfect for topping your favorite pasta. Made with a mix of ground beef and pork, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with red wine and herbs, this ragu is a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tuscan Ragu:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or half beef, half pork
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until soft and beginning to brown.
- Add the meat: Stir in the garlic and then add the ground meat, cooking until browned.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, milk, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat, cover partially, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Finish and serve: Discard the bay leaf before serving. Serve over pasta, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork.
- This sauce freezes well—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Use whole milk for creaminess, or substitute with plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
