Simple Ragu Recipe

Ragu, a rich meat-based sauce, is the epitome of Italian comfort food. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cosy family dinner, this simple ragu recipe will become a go-to in your culinary repertoire. Combining the flavours of good quality ground meat in the form of pork sausage meat, tomatoes, and a medley of spices, this sauce pairs perfectly with your favourite pasta, creamy polenta, crusty bread or even a jacket potato.

Simple Ragu Recipe

This pork ragu recipe is easy to whip up and you can pair it with a variety of side dishes to make a delicious meal. It’s one of our favourites and we often make a big batch of it to store the leftovers in the freezer for another day. Let’s create a delicious, homemade ragu that your whole family will love.

Serves 3

Ingredients

1 large onion
8 pork sausages
1 tsp olive oil
2 – 3 cloves of garlic
400g tinned tomatoes
2 – 3 chillies
1 tbsp curry ketchup (or tomato purée with a teaspoon of mild curry powder)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Worcester sauce

Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon
Food processor (optional, for finely chopping vegetables) or a knife and chopping board.

Method

Peel and chop the onion and soften it in a saucepan by lightly frying over a medium heat using olive oil. Add the garlic. I prefer to use lazy garlic as it’s more convenient, but freshly pressed garlic will also work.

Whilst the onion is cooking, lightly slice down the side of the sausages and peel away the sausage meat from the skin. The skin can be discarded. Add the sausage meat to the saucepan.

Allow the sausage meat and onion to brown a little, stirring regularly.  You’ll want to break up the sausage shape of the meat so that you end up with more of a ground pork consistency.

Once the meat has browned a little, add the tinned tomatoes, curry ketchup, soy sauce, Worcester sauce and the chillies.

Turn the heat down to low and allow the ragù bolognese to simmer for 30 – 40 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid it sticking and burning. The liquid should be reduced to give you a lovely rich tomato sauce. A low heat will help you do this without burning your delicious dish.

Serving the Ragu

While the homemade ragu sauce is finishing, cook your favourite pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve a little pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.

You can serve it with pasta, rice, crusty bread or potato. I like to serve mine with a portion of pappardelle pasta, which is large, flat pasta noodles, similar to wide fettuccine. The pasta works well with the thick sauce and it’s a really delicious and hearty dish. But if you aren’t a fan of pappardelle, you could use any pasta you like, rigatoni, spaghetti or even the kitchen staple fusilli will work with this rich sauce. If you are wanting to be authentic, you could make your own homemade pasta. It’s much easier than you think, especially if you have a pasta machine. If you have kids, it’s a great one to get them involved in – they’ll all love turning the handle on the pasta roller and will be impressed when the pasta machine cuts the long sheets of pasta into strips, similar to linguine. Also, homemade pasta cooks super quickly, so there’s no hanging around once you’ve made it.

Toss the cooked pasta with the ragu sauce in the large pot, adding a little pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Divide the pasta among bowls, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, and sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

You could pair this with some red wine, take a look at Malbec vs Merlot to find out which one works best.

Tips for the Best Ragu

Use Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality ingredients makes a huge difference in the final dish. Opt for good-quality ground sausages, fresh vegetables, and authentic Italian tomatoes for the best results when cooking ragu recipes.

Slow Cooking

While this quick ragù recipe can be made in less time, slow cooking is the best way to develop deep, rich flavours. If you have a slow cooker, you can transfer the browned meat and vegetables to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Double the Batch

Consider making a double batch of this ragu sauce recipe. It freezes well and can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Simply cool the ragu completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. Pork ragu is a lovely alternative to Italian beef ragu bolognese sauce and is a great recipe for busy people.

Versatility

This ragu is incredibly versatile. While it’s traditionally served with pappardelle pasta, you can use it in lasagna, over creamy polenta, or even as a topping for homemade pizza. It’s also a great way to incorporate different meats like ground veal or lamb for a unique twist.

Sides and Additions

Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or balsamic vinegar is a refreshing side.

Vegetables: Steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, or a medley of seasonal vegetables make a great addition.

Bread: Warm, freshly baked crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.

This simple ragu recipe is one of the best ways to bring the flavours of Italy into your kitchen. With its rich, hearty meat sauce, it’s a dish that promises comfort and satisfaction. It’s an absolute winner in our house, everyone loves it and there are always empty plates at the end of the meal. Whether you’re making it for the first time or adding it to your list of favourite recipes, this ragu will be a big hit with the whole family. Enjoy it with your favourite pasta, a glass of red, and a side of crusty bread for a meal that’s sure to impress, whether you have special occasions or not.

Your Dish

If you try out my ragu bolognese recipe, please let us know how it turned out! If you can I’d also love to see some photos. You can always get in touch via my social media pages. Have a look at my food and drink section for more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and meal inspiration. Buon appetite from my kitchen to yours!

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