Slowly Simmered Italian Sausage Ragu
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slowly Simmered Italian Sausage Ragu, a delightful dish perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. This hearty ragu features savory ground beef simmered with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and rich tomatoes. The unique touch of white apple vinegar elevates the sauce, making it an irresistible companion to your favorite pasta. Whether you choose the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot method, this versatile recipe promises to impress and satisfy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef sausage
- 3 large carrots, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup dry white apple vinegar
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs
- Dried bay leaves
- 2 cups chicken stock or water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 16 ounces rigatoni or pasta of choice
Instructions
- Sauté the carrots, celery, and onion in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned (15–20 minutes).
- Push veggies aside and brown the ground beef sausage in the center (about 5 minutes). Break into pieces.
- Add garlic and tomato paste; cook for another few minutes. Deglaze with white apple vinegar.
- Tie herbs with twine; add to pot with crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low; let simmer for about 90 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package directions; reserve starchy water before draining.
- Stir heavy cream and parmesan cheese into ragu; add cooked pasta and toss to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg