Discover the rich, traditional flavors of Ragù Napoletano with this easy-to-follow recipe. This classic Italian meat sauce is slow-cooked to perfection, combining tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs. Perfectly paired with pasta, it's a hearty dish that brings a taste of Naples to your table. Learn how to make this delicious Ragù Napoletano step-by-step and enjoy a comforting Italian meal at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Pasta of choice
Instructions:
Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes.
Add Garlic and Meat: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the ground beef and pork. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine and cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer Slowly: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be thick and rich.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Serve: Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Toss the pasta with the Ragù Napoletano sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy a comforting Italian meal!
This Ragù Napoletano recipe offers a taste of authentic Italian cooking with its rich, slow-cooked flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Nutritional Value
2 tablespoons olive oil
- Calories: About 120 kcal
- Fat: 14g (including monounsaturated fat)
Benefits:
- Provides healthy fats that support heart health.
- Adds flavor and richness to the sauce.
1 onion, finely chopped
- Calories: About 44 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Contains antioxidants and compounds that may support heart health.
- Adds flavor and depth to the sauce.
2 carrots, finely chopped
- Calories: About 25 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A.
- Supports vision and immune function.
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- Calories: About 6 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Provides fiber and is low in calories.
- Adds crunch and flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced
- Calories: About 4 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- May support heart health and immune function.
1 pound ground beef
- Calories: About 250 kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 17g
Benefits:
- Excellent source of high-quality protein.
- Provides essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
1/2 pound ground pork
- Calories: About 250 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
Benefits:
- Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron.
1 cup red wine
- Calories: About 82 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds rich flavor to the sauce. The alcohol mostly evaporates during cooking.
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- Calories: About 20 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Rich in vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that may support heart health.
2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Calories: About 15 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Concentrated source of tomatoes, adding rich flavor and extra nutrients.
1 cup beef broth
- Calories: About 15 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds flavor and depth to the sauce, low in calories.
2 bay leaves
- Calories: About 5 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds aromatic flavor to the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Calories: About 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds flavor and may have antioxidant properties.
1 teaspoon dried basil
- Calories: About 2 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds flavor and may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Nutritional Value (negligible)
Benefits:
- Enhances the flavor of the dish.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Calories: About 1 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds a fresh flavor and additional vitamins.
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Calories: About 21 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 1g
Benefits:
- Adds a rich, savory flavor and some extra protein and calcium.
Pasta of choice
- Calories: About 158 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 1g
Benefits:
- Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
This Bolognese sauce recipe combines a rich variety of ingredients that provide a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The sauce is flavorful and nutritious, offering essential vitamins and minerals from vegetables and spices, as well as protein from beef and pork. The optional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil add additional flavor and nutrients.
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