Italian Meat Sauce
Italian Meat Sauce (Ragù) This Italian meat sauce, or “ragù,” is a hearty and rich sauce that’s perfect for pasta, lasagna, or even as a base for other dishes. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite! Why Make Italian Meat Sauce? This sauce is a versatile staple in Italian cuisine. It’s great for meal prep and can be made in large batches, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later! Ingredients 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) 1 onion (finely chopped) 2 cloves garlic (minced) 1 carrot (finely chopped) 1 celery stalk (finely chopped) 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with broth) 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil Salt and pepper (to taste) 2 tablespoons olive oil Fresh basil (for garnish, optional) Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional) Equipment Needed Large skillet or Dutch oven Wooden spoon Cutting board and knife Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables Heat Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Step 2: Brown the Meat Add Ground Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (and pork if using). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Step 3: Build the Sauce Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes. Deglaze: Pour in the red wine (or broth) and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Step 4: Simmer the Sauce Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired. Step 5: Serve Pair with Pasta: Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it in lasagna or other dishes. Garnish: Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Tips for Perfect Meat Sauce Make Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance. Freezing: Freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. Customize: Feel free to add additional veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or use different herbs for a personalized touch. Conclusion This authentic Italian meat sauce is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s rich, hearty, and sure to become a favorite in your household! Stay Connected For more Italian recipes and cooking tips, subscribe to our newsletter and share your meat sauce creations with us using #ItalianMeatSauce. Buon Appetito! This recipe is designed to be straightforward and engaging, perfect for anyone looking to make a classic Italian dish. Enjoy your cooking!
Italian Meat Sauce (Ragù)
This Italian meat sauce, or “ragù,” is a hearty and rich sauce that’s perfect for pasta, lasagna, or even as a base for other dishes. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite!
Why Make Italian Meat Sauce?
This sauce is a versatile staple in Italian cuisine. It’s great for meal prep and can be made in large batches, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 carrot (finely chopped)
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
- Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Add Ground Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (and pork if using). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Deglaze: Pour in the red wine (or broth) and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
- Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
Step 5: Serve
- Pair with Pasta: Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it in lasagna or other dishes.
- Garnish: Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for Perfect Meat Sauce
- Make Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance.
- Freezing: Freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
- Customize: Feel free to add additional veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or use different herbs for a personalized touch.
Conclusion
This authentic Italian meat sauce is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s rich, hearty, and sure to become a favorite in your household!
Stay Connected
For more Italian recipes and cooking tips, subscribe to our newsletter and share your meat sauce creations with us using #ItalianMeatSauce. Buon Appetito!
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and engaging, perfect for anyone looking to make a classic Italian dish. Enjoy your cooking!
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