Ragu sauce recipe is your ticket to a cozy night in, bursting with rich flavors and heartwarming aromas. Imagine simmering tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs melding together in a pot, creating a sauce that wraps around your pasta like a warm hug. With a splash of vegetable broth and a hint of balsamic vinegar for depth, this delightful sauce is perfect for any occasion. Serve it over your favorite noodles, and watch as it transforms a simple meal into a comforting feast that brings everyone to the table with smiles!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
ragu sauce recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For sautéing and simmering the sauce.
Ingredients
Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil A healthy fat that adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 medium Onion Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
- 3 cloves Garlic Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic qualities.
Vegetables
- 1 medium Carrot Adds natural sweetness and balances acidity.
- 1 stalk Celery Contributes a subtle earthiness and crunch.
Protein
- 1 pound Ground turkey A lean protein alternative to traditional meats.
Sauce Base
- 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes The main ingredient for a rich and flavorful sauce.
- 1 cup Vegetable broth Adds moisture and depth without alcohol.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano Infuses the sauce with a classic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil Complements the tomatoes with its aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Sugar Balances acidity from the tomatoes.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect ground beef or turkey, diced onions, minced garlic, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and your favorite herbs.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes
- Pour in the canned tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir everything together, letting the flavors mingle.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
- Add the vegetable broth to the pot. This will give your sauce a lovely depth. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Season to Taste
- Sprinkle in your favorite herbs like basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Simmer Away
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer, the better!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Once your ragu sauce is thick and flavorful, serve it over pasta or your favorite dish. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Why You’ll Love This Ragu Sauce Recipe
- It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up any day.
- Rich, savory flavors that will impress your family and friends.
- Versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or even as a pizza topping.
- Healthy and hearty, packed with veggies for a nutritious boost.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Italian |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | Pasta |
Ingredients for Ragu Sauce Recipe
- Olive oil – A healthy fat that adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Onion – Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
- Garlic – Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic qualities.
- Carrot – Adds natural sweetness and balances acidity.
- Celery – Contributes a subtle earthiness and crunch.
- Ground turkey – A lean protein alternative to traditional meats.
- Canned crushed tomatoes – The main ingredient for a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Vegetable broth – Adds moisture and depth without alcohol.
- Dried oregano – Infuses the sauce with a classic Italian flavor.
- Dried basil – Complements the tomatoes with its aromatic notes.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
- Black pepper – Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- Sugar – Balances acidity from the tomatoes.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Ragu Sauce Recipe
Get ready to create a delicious ragu sauce that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect ground beef or turkey, diced onions, minced garlic, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and your favorite herbs.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes
Pour in the canned tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir everything together, letting the flavors mingle.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Add the vegetable broth to the pot. This will give your sauce a lovely depth. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Sprinkle in your favorite herbs like basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Simmer Away
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer, the better!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once your ragu sauce is thick and flavorful, serve it over pasta or your favorite dish. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Pro Tips for Making the Ragu Sauce Recipe
- Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano for a vibrant flavor boost.
- Opt for vegetable broth instead of wine for depth without alcohol.
- Let the sauce simmer longer for richer, more developed flavors.
- Incorporate a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if needed.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan for a delightful finishing touch.
How to Serve Ragu Sauce Recipe
- Serve over al dente spaghetti for a classic Italian experience.
- Pair with garlic bread for a delightful crunch.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Mix in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a healthy twist.
- Use as a filling for stuffed peppers or lasagna for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Try it with polenta for a comforting, gluten-free option.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
- Enjoy as a dipping sauce for crusty bread or breadsticks.
- Make a ragu sauce sandwich with crusty rolls for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the ragu sauce to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Leave some space for expansion as it freezes.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add a splash of broth or water for moisture.
- Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
What can I use instead of wine in my ragu sauce?
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic substitute for wine, consider using grape juice or a mixture of vinegar and water. These options can add a nice acidity and depth to your sauce without the alcohol.
Can I make ragu sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Ragu sauce actually tastes better when made ahead of time. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.
What type of meat works best in ragu sauce?
For a delicious ragu, ground beef or turkey works wonderfully. You can also use a mix of both for added flavor. Just make sure to brown the meat well for that rich, savory taste.
How can I thicken my ragu sauce?
If your ragu sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce it. Alternatively, adding a small amount of tomato paste can help thicken it up while enhancing the flavor.
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