Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of pasta bathed in a rich, slow-simmered ragu? I didn’t think so! This Ragu Bolognese recipe is a staple in my house and one of my favorite dishes. It’s not just your basic meat sauce; it’s a labor of love, rich with flavor and perfectly balanced, a true taste of comfort. This isn’t your grandma’s recipe, not exactly. It’s my version, inspired by all the amazing cooks in my life. Let’s get cooking, y’all!
Top Reasons To Make It
This Ragu Bolognese is seriously amazing. It’s a flavor explosion that’s totally worth the (minimal) effort. Plus, it’s perfect for a casual Pasta Night, whether you’re enjoying it by yourselves or serving a crowd! But here’s the real kicker: the leftovers are even better. Make a big batch and enjoy it all week long!
Ingredients
- Ground beef: The base of our hearty ragu.
- Ground smoked turkey: Adds a depth of smoky flavor without using pork.
- Yellow onion: Builds a savory foundation.
- Carrots: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Celery: Provides a subtle, earthy note.
- Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: The heart of the tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato goodness.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth.
- Balsamic vinegar: A touch of tang and sweetness.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and richness.
- Dried oregano: An Italian classic.
- Dried basil: Another Italian essential.
- Bay leaves: Adds a subtle, earthy aroma.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Cayenne pepper (optional but recommended by me!): A hint of warmth – just love a little kick!
Specific measurements for each ingredient are provided in the handy recipe card below. So don’t you worry ’bout a thing! Just gather your groceries, and we’ll get cooking.
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes more. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or up to 4, stirring occasionally. The longer, the better, trust me! So, so tender!
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to make it your own? Feel free! You can use ground lamb or even lentils for a vegetarian twist. For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at the end—it adds a great depth of flavor. If you aren’t a fan of smoked turkey, try swapping for ground beef or Italian Sausage. Honestly, if you hate heat, skip the cayenne.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This Ragu Bolognese is delicious with any kind of pasta, especially pappardelle. A simple Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe alongside it would complement the meal wonderfully! A crusty loaf of bread is a must for sopping up all that flavorful Bolognese sauce.
Pasta Cooking Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously. It should taste like the sea!
- Cook your pasta al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should have a slight bite to it.
- Save some pasta water! The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a smooth velvety texture.
- Don’t overcook your pasta. Nobody likes mushy noodles! It’s one of those Yummy Pasta Recipes where the pasta matters.
- Mix some slow cooked meat with the pasta sauce! Give an extra tasty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Ragu Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. A word to the wise: always ensure your food is heated thoroughly to a safe internal temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bolognese Sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Make your Bolognese Sauce Authentic a day or two in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready. It will make your Pasta Night even easier!
What’s the difference between Ragu Bolognese and other Bolognese Sauce Recipes? Authentic Ragu Bolognese is a slow-cooked meat sauce from Bologna, and it becomes so much more than your average meat sauce! Mine is inspired by that tradition.
This Ragu Bolognese is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. Slow-cooked meat, flavorful tomatoes, a whisper of warm spice…it’s everything you want in a comforting, delicious meal. And hey, that’s what I say cooking should be about.
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Ragu Bolognese: A Family Favorite Pasta Sauce
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This rich and hearty Ragu Bolognese is the perfect slow-simmered comfort meal. Made with ground beef and smoked turkey for flavor-packed depth without pork, it’s loaded with vegetables, herbs, and a touch of balsamic for balance. A classic Italian-inspired sauce perfect for pasta night!
Ingredients
▢ 1 pound ground beef
▢ 1 pound ground smoked turkey
▢ 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
▢ 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
▢ 2 celery stalks, finely diced
▢ 4 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
▢ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
▢ 1 cup chicken broth
▢ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
▢ 1 teaspoon dried basil
▢ 2 bay leaves
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
▢ ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and ground smoked turkey. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned.
3. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for another 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for at least 2 hours (or up to 4), stirring occasionally.
7. Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed.
8. Serve over pasta or use as a rich sauce for lasagna. Enjoy!
Notes
• Make it ahead! This sauce tastes even better the next day.
• Freezer-friendly: Store cooled ragu in an airtight container up to 3 months.
• Don’t skip the balsamic—it adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: ragu bolognese, ground turkey pasta sauce, beef and turkey meat sauce, no pork bolognese, Italian dinner recipes