Italian Meat Ragù
Introduction
If there is one scent that defines the Italian home, it is the rich, savory aroma of a Meat Ragù simmering gently on the stovetop. While often mistakenly simplified as "Bolognese" abroad, a true Italian ragù is a sophisticated labor of love—a slow-cooked masterpiece where the humble soffritto (onion, celery, and carrot) melts into a complex harmony of meats, wine, and sun-ripened tomatoes.
In the MaMa Florence kitchen, we teach that a great ragù cannot be rushed. It is a dish of patience, designed to develop depth over hours of low-heat transformation. Whether you are pairing it with silky tagliatelle or layering it into a decadent lasagna, this recipe represents the very essence of Italian comfort food. It is more than just a sauce; it is a culinary embrace that has brought families to the table for generations.
Ingredients
•250g ground beef
•80g ground pork (or plain sausages)
•1 yellow onion
•1 carrot
•1 celery stick
•1 cup of red wine
•1 bayleaf
•2 tablespoons of tomato paste
•6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
•salt and pepper as needed
•nutmeg as needed
•vegetable broth as needed
Preparation
The Meat Base
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250g Ground Beef: Choose a cut with about 15–20% fat to ensure the sauce remains succulent during the long simmer.
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80g Ground Pork (or plain sausages): This provides the essential sweetness and richness that defines a true ragù.
The Aromatics (Soffritto)
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1 Yellow Onion: Finely minced to provide a sweet, savory base.
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1 Carrot: Peeled and finely diced for a hint of natural sugar.
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1 Celery Stick: Finely diced to add an earthy, aromatic backbone.
Pantry & Seasoning
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6 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the meats.
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2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste: To provide a deep, concentrated color and umami flavor.
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1 Cup Red Wine: Ideally a dry Tuscan wine like Chianti to deglaze the pan and add complexity.
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Vegetable Broth: Keep about 500ml warm on the side, to be added gradually as needed.
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1 Bay Leaf: For a subtle, woody fragrance.
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Seasonings: Salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Conclusion
As your ragù finishes its long, slow simmer, you will notice the transformation: the bright acidity of the tomatoes has mellowed into a deep, savory sweetness, and the meats have become incredibly tender, creating a thick, velvety sauce. This is the true "patience of the kitchen." In Italy, a great ragù isn't just a recipe; it’s the heart of the Sunday family meal.
Before serving, remember the golden rule of the Italian kitchen: always finish your pasta in the sauce. Add a splash of the starchy pasta cooking water to the pan to help the ragù emulsify and cling perfectly to every strand of tagliatelle or pappardelle. A final dusting of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil are all you need to complete the masterpiece.
At MaMa Florence, we believe that while the ingredients are simple, the technique is everything. We hope this dish brings a piece of the Tuscan countryside into your home. Buon appetito!
