Classic Tuscan Ragu Sauce (Print Version)

Rich Tuscan meat sauce simmered slowly with fresh herbs and tomatoes, ideal for pasta or polenta dishes.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery; sauté until softened and translucent, about 7-8 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef and pork, breaking up with a spoon. Cook until browned and moisture evaporates, approximately 10 minutes.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in red wine, scrape browned bits from the pot, and simmer until mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, stock, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to blend evenly.
06 - Bring to a gentle simmer. Partially cover and cook over low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in milk and continue simmering uncovered for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Remove bay leaf. Serve warm over cooked pasta or polenta, topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired.

# Expert Advice:

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.
  • Pairs beautifully with Chianti or other Tuscan reds.
  • This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
03 -
  • Use hand-crushed canned tomatoes for best texture.
  • Slow simmering develops the deepest flavors.
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