Mediterranean Diet Classic Italian Ragu

Experience the rich, heartwarming flavors of the Mediterranean Diet Classic Italian Ragu—a healthier twist on a timeless favorite. This slow-simmered sauce is brimming with lean ground beef and pork, fresh aromatics like onion, carrot, and celery, and a medley of Mediterranean herbs, all cooked to perfection in a fragrant blend of dry red wine and tomatoes. With its nutrient-packed ingredients and olive oil base, this dish aligns beautifully with the principles of the Mediterranean diet while delivering the authentic taste of traditional ragu. Perfectly paired with whole grain pasta, creamy polenta, or roasted vegetables, this hearty, satisfying recipe is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a wholesome, comforting meal. Perfect for meal prepping or a dinner centerpiece, this ragu celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:165 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 500 grams lean ground beef
• 250 grams lean ground pork
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves
• 125 milliliters dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 800 grams canned whole tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 10 fresh basil leaves
• 1 handful fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the vegetables. Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2

In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef and pork to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbled, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 5

Pour in the dry red wine and stir, allowing it to reduce for about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste and stir to combine, cooking for another 2 minutes.

Step 7

Pour in the canned whole tomatoes, crushing them gently with your hands as you add them. Stir well.

Step 8

Add the bay leaf and dried oregano, then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 9

Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover the pot, letting it cook gently for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 10

During the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the bay leaf and add the fresh basil leaves and chopped parsley.

Step 11

Stir well to mix in the herbs and ensure the ragu is thoroughly aromatic and delicious.

Step 12

Serve the ragu warm over your choice of whole grain pasta, polenta, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean Diet-friendly meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2436.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2359.0

Total Fat 136.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.9g
Cholesterol 525.8mg	0%
Sodium 4008.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 78.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.7g	0%
Total Sugars 37.5g
Protein 184.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1081.2mg	0%
Iron 39.9mg	0%
Potassium 5320.3mg	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: 53.9%

Protein: 32.3%

Carbs: 13.8%