Italian meat sauce, or “ragù alla Bolognese,” is a classic Italian dish renowned for its rich, deep flavors and hearty texture. This savory sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and is the foundation for many beloved dishes, from pasta to lasagna. Italian meat sauce is a labor of love, combining ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of herbs and spices to create a comforting and sophisticated sauce. I love to make a big batch of this sauce and freeze it in containers or freezer-safe bags. I use it whenever I want something delicious and super yummy to make for dinner or lunch.
The preparation begins with sautéing a mix of finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, known as the “soffritto,” in olive oil. This trio forms the flavor base of the sauce, imparting a subtle sweetness and depth. Once the vegetables are softened and golden, ground beef and pork are added and cooked until browned. This blend of meats adds richness and complexity to the sauce.
Next, a splash of red wine is introduced, a step that plays a crucial role in the cooking process. The wine deglazes the pan and helps to meld the flavors together. After the wine has been reduced, crushed tomatoes or tomato paste are incorporated, providing the sauce with its essential tomato base. A bay leaf, a sprinkle of dried oregano, and a touch of fresh basil or thyme enhance the flavor profile, while a pinch of salt and pepper balances the taste.
The sauce is then simmered slowly for at least an hour, a step that requires patience but is crucial for the dish’s success. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken, resulting in a rich, robust taste. The result is a velvety, flavorful meat sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta, is layered in lasagna, or served with a crusty piece of bread.
Italian meat sauce is the epitome of comfort food, offering a taste of Italy with every bite. Its versatility and rich flavor make it a favorite in many households, perfect for everyday meals and special occasions.
Ingredients :
½ pound Ground beef
¼ pound Ground pork
1 Onion, small, finely chopped
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 Carrot, finely diced
1 Celery stalk, finely diced
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup red wine
½ cup beef broth
1 Bay leaf
1 tsp Italian Herb seasoning.
Salt and pepper to taste
How to make Authentic Italian Meat Sauce :
Step1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, carrot, and celery until soft.
Step2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Step3. Add ground beef and pork and cook until browned.
Step4. Deglaze the pot with wine and reduce it by half. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, bay leaf, and Italian herb seasoning.
Step5. Simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over pasta.
Italian meat sauce
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- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Italian meat sauce, or “ragù alla Bolognese,” is a classic Italian dish renowned for its rich, deep flavors and hearty texture. This savory sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and is the foundation for many beloved dishes, from pasta to lasagna.
Ingredients
½ pound Ground beef
¼ pound Ground pork
1 Onion, small, finely chopped
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 Carrot, finely diced
1 Celery stalk, finely diced
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup red wine
½ cup beef broth
1 Bay leaf
1 tsp Italian Herb seasoning.
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, carrot, and celery until soft.
2.Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3.Add ground beef and pork and cook until browned.
4.Deglaze the pot with wine and reduce it by half. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, bay leaf, and Italian herb seasoning.
5.Simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
6.Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over pasta.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 120
