Classic Tuscan Meat Sauce (Printable)

Rich Tuscan meat sauce slowly simmered with tomatoes, wine, and herbs for deep flavor.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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, hand-crushed
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

# Cooking steps:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery; cook for 7 to 8 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef and pork, breaking up with a spoon. Cook about 10 minutes until browned and liquid has evaporated.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in red wine, scraping browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until wine mostly evaporates, about 3 minutes.
05 - Combine crushed tomatoes, stock, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend flavors.
06 - Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Partially cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
07 - Remove lid, stir in whole milk, and simmer uncovered for 20 more minutes until sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
08 - Discard bay leaf. Serve sauce hot over cooked pasta or polenta. Top with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese if desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Classic Tuscan flavors
  • Perfect for pasta or polenta
02 -
  • This ragu improves in flavor if prepared a day ahead.
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months.
03 -
  • Use fresh herbs if possible for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Simmer gently to allow flavors to develop fully.
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