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