Classic Italian Ragu Sauce

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with this Classic Italian Ragu Sauce, a rich and savory delight that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests. This slow-simmered masterpiece combines tender ground beef and pork with a fragrant medley of finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, creating a robust base bursting with flavor. Dry red wine and a hint of milk lend a depth and creaminess to the sauce, while crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock blend together into a velvety, aromatic consistency. Infused with dried oregano, a bay leaf, and finished with fresh chopped basil, this traditional Italian recipe boasts three hours of slow cooking, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth. Serve this classic ragu over al dente pasta or layer it into lasagna for an authentic taste of Italian cuisine right at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 250 grams ground beef
• 250 grams ground pork
• 125 milliliters dry red wine
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 500 milliliters beef stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 125 milliliters milk
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until softened, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and pork. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any bits stuck to it. Cook until the wine is mostly evaporated, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Mix well.

Step 7

Add the bay leaf, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 9

Cover partially with a lid, and allow to simmer gently for 2 and a half hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 10

Remove the lid, stir in the milk, and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 11

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 12

Remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh basil just before serving.

Step 13

Serve over your favorite pasta or use as desired in other dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2600.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2126.2

Total Fat 130.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 413.6mg	0%
Sodium 5849.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 93.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.1g	0%
Total Sugars 56.8g
Protein 129.0g	0%

Vitamin D 56.7IU	0%
Calcium 878.3mg	0%
Iron 20.3mg	0%
Potassium 5312.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.0%

Protein: 25.0%

Carbs: 18.1%