Classic Tuscan Ragu Sauce (Print Version)

Rich Tuscan meat sauce simmered slowly with herbs, perfect over pasta or polenta for hearty meals.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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, hand-crushed
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 - 3/4 cup beef or chicken stock
11 - 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon whole milk

→ Fats & Seasonings

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

→ To Serve

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

# Recipe Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy-based pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 7-8 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Incorporate ground beef and pork. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and all 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, and simmer until mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, stock, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
06 - Bring 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 an additional 20 minutes until sauce is rich and thick. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
08 - Remove bay leaf. Serve hot over pasta or polenta, garnished with Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Freezer friendly
02 -
  • For deeper flavor, prepare a day ahead and reheat before serving.
  • Substitute pancetta for part of the ground pork for added richness.
03 -
  • Use high quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.
  • Simmer slowly to develop rich and tender sauce layers.
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