Whole30 Classic Italian Ragu

Experience the rich, slow-simmered flavors of this Whole30 Classic Italian Ragu, a hearty and wholesome take on the beloved Italian comfort food. Made with a savory blend of ground beef and pork, tender aromatics like garlic, onion, carrot, and celery, and a luscious tomato base enhanced by balsamic vinegar and herbs, this recipe delivers authentic depth without added sugars or grains. Perfectly suited for Whole30 lifestyles, it pairs beautifully with zoodles, spaghetti squash, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying, guilt-free meal. With just 15 minutes of prep and a slow simmer to let the flavors meld, this ragu is ideal for cozy dinners or weekly meal prep. Healthy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible, it’s your go-to recipe for Italian deliciousness!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound ground pork
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and pork. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5

Drain excess fat if necessary, and stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and balsamic vinegar.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the ragu for at least 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For deeper flavors, a simmer of 90 minutes is recommended.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This ragu pairs well with zoodles or any Whole30-approved vegetable noodles.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2117.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2306.4

Total Fat 158.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 525.2mg	0%
Sodium 4838.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 82.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.6g	0%
Total Sugars 50.1g
Protein 152.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 483.7mg	0%
Iron 19.8mg	0%
Potassium 5008.2mg	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: 60.2%

Protein: 25.8%

Carbs: 14.0%