High Protein Classic Italian Ragu

Elevate your pasta night with this High Protein Classic Italian Ragu, a hearty and flavor-packed twist on the traditional favorite. Crafted with a protein-rich blend of lean ground beef and ground turkey, this ragu delivers a wholesome, satisfying meal without compromising on authentic Italian taste. Aromatic vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery form the base, while garlic, herbs, and a splash of red wine infuse the sauce with mouthwatering complexity. Simmered low and slow for hours, this ragu develops a rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for coating your favorite pasta. Topped with fresh basil leaves, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ideal for meal prep or impressing dinner guests, this high-protein ragu is a must-try for Italian food enthusiasts looking for a nutritious, flavorful option.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:165 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 300 grams ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 800 grams canned tomatoes, crushed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 120 ml red wine
• 240 ml beef stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

In a large heavy-bottom saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lean ground beef and ground turkey to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until browned all over, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it coats the meat mixture evenly.

Step 6

Pour in the red wine and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Add the crushed tomatoes and beef stock to the pan, stirring to combine.

Step 8

Drop in the bay leaf, then sprinkle with fresh thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low and let the ragu simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This will help the sauce thicken and develop deeper flavors.

Step 10

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 11

Serve the ragu over pasta or as desired, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2356.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2017.8

Total Fat 102.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 587.9mg	0%
Sodium 6002.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 83.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.9g	0%
Total Sugars 45.3g
Protein 171.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 407.4mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 4084.3mg	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: 47.5%

Protein: 35.4%

Carbs: 17.1%