Classic Tuscan Ragu (Printable view)

Slow-simmered Tuscan meat sauce with herbs, ideal for topping pasta or polenta.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 14 oz ground beef
02 - 7 oz ground pork

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 medium carrots, finely diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, finely diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids

07 - 2/3 cup dry red wine
08 - 21 oz canned whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 3/4 cup beef or chicken stock
11 - 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp whole milk

→ Fats & Seasonings

12 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
13 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
17 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
18 - Salt, to taste

→ To Serve

19 - Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (optional)
20 - Cooked pasta or polenta

# How To Make:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy-based pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 7 to 8 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef and pork. Cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, until browned and liquids evaporate, approximately 10 minutes.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in red wine, scraping browned bits from the pot. Simmer until mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
05 - Combine crushed tomatoes, stock, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to integrate.
06 - Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Partially cover and cook over low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in whole milk and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until sauce thickens and develops rich flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Remove bay leaf. Serve hot over freshly cooked pasta or creamy polenta, topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Slow-cooked for deep flavor
  • Perfect for pasta or polenta
02 -
  • Prepare a day ahead for deeper flavor
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months
03 -
  • Use fresh herbs for enhanced aroma
  • Don t rush the simmering step for best results
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