Are you craving a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that warms the soul? Look no further! This recipe for homemade ragu pasta sauce is your ticket to deliciousness. Forget jarred sauces – this recipe is surprisingly easy, incredibly satisfying, and will have you feeling like a culinary pro in no time. It's the perfect example of healthy meals and easy recipes all rolled into one. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest! This quick dinner idea is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup beef broth (optional, for extra moisture)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor. Don't rush it!
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Deglaze the pot (optional): If using red wine, pour it into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced. This step adds a wonderful complexity to the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little beef broth.
- Remove the bay leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the ragu over your favorite pasta. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian ragu: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of lentils or mushrooms for a hearty and delicious vegetarian option.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Make it ahead: This ragu tastes even better the next day! It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400 (depending on pasta and serving size)
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This delicious ragu is a testament to the fact that some of the best recipes are also easy recipes. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both satisfying and simple. Enjoy this incredible dish, and don't forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family! They'll thank you for it. Happy cooking!