Classic Tuscan Ragu Sauce (Print Version)

Rich Tuscan meat sauce combining beef, pork, and herbs for a flavorful finish.

# Components:

→ 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

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Warm olive oil and butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, sauté until softened and translucent, about 7 to 8 minutes.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef and pork, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until browned and liquid evaporates, approximately 10 minutes.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in red wine, scraping browned bits from the pot, then simmer until mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
05 - Combine crushed tomatoes, stock, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to integrate all ingredients.
06 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook over low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in whole milk and continue to simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until sauce is rich and thickened. Season to taste.
08 - Remove bay leaf and serve hot atop cooked pasta or polenta. Optionally garnish with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Freezer friendly
02 -
  • Prepare a day ahead for deeper flavor and reheat before serving
  • Substitute pancetta for part of the ground pork for added richness
03 -
  • Use a heavy based pot for even cooking and better flavor development
  • Always crush tomatoes by hand for better texture
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