Classic Italian Ragu Recipe (Meat Sauce) or, ragu alla bolognese, is a traditional Italian recipe that every Italian family loves. There is nothing better than a bowl of classic and authentic Italian Ragu Bolognese! The rich meat sauce clings to your pasta and brings you the mst comforting meal.
Every Italian nonna has their own meat sauce version and this is my Nonna's traditional recipe for bolgognese ragu. It is exceptional with pasta or over polenta.
Serve this classic Italian-style ragu recipe with Fast Italian No Knead Ciabatta Bread (the best crusty bread recipe) and a simple salad for a delicious meal.
Classic Italian Ragu- A Family Meal
Looking for a cozy meal the entire family will enjoy? This classic sauce (meat ragu) is your new GO-TO RECIPE. A certain magic happens as the beef, and aromatic vegetables slowly cook down in the tomato sauce in this classic ragu recipe.
I like to make a big batch, freeze it in portions, and thaw it for a busy night. It is also a Sunday family favorite as it warms the house with the most delicious smell. The simple ingredients make this dish filling and perfect for the cooler months.
Add your favorite pasta and everyone will come running to the table. Don't forget the freshly grated Parmigiano- it's the traditional way!
You will also love Classic Italian Lasagne alla Bolognese with Bechamel Sauce and BEST Italian Beef Short Rib Ragu. Also, try- How to Cook Steak in a Pan (Perfect Recipe) and How to Cook a Small Prime Rib Roast Recipe.
Simple Ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- Celery stalks
- Carrot
- Ground Beef (or a mixture of ground meats including ground pork and veal)
- Canned tomatoes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Pasta of choice (for serving)
- Finely grated Parmesan (for serving)
See the recipe card for quantities
How to Make Classic Italian Ragu Recipe (Meat Sauce)
This recipe starts out with a simple Italian soffritto a mix of onions, celery, and carrots cooked in extra-virgin olive oil.
This recipe starts out with a simple Italian soffritto a mix of onions, celery, and carrots cooked in extra-virgin olive oil.
Add beef and veal (ground meat of choice) to the vegetable mixture and sauté, breaking up with the back of a spoon, until browned, about 15 minutes.
Add tomatoes to the meat mixture; boil for 2 minutes, stirring often and scraping up brown bits. If using whole tomatoes use the back of a wooden spoon, or a spatula, to crush them into small pieces.
Reduce heat to very low heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, 40 minutes. You get a rich flavor from the long cooking time.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optional: add a couple bay leaves while cooking for an added depth of flavour (I prefer without for this recipe).
Top Tips
Meat Sauce Thickness If you desire your Italian meat sauce a little thicker you can always use tomato paste, or tomato puree to thicken it a bit and add a rich tomato flavor . If your meat sauce is too thick you can always add a cup of broth. You can use a meat broth, or vegetabe stock.
Meat Variations for Italian Ragu Sauce
Traditionally, we use ground beef or veal, or even a mix of both for classic Italian ragu. I've also used ground turkey or ground chicken to lighten it up and I find the taste a little less rich, but still delicious.
In the summer months, I use ground turkey and ground chicken more and in the cooler months, I prefer the traditional beef or veal.
You can also add a little bit of pancetta, or a little garlic the next time you make it to another variation to the meat-based sauce.
You can't go wrong with the meat you decide to use. Choose what your family loves and what will bring a happy gathering around your table.
Pasta Variations
This ragu sauce goes well with any kind of pasta! I love tagliatelle as they add a rustic taste and look to the classic ragu sauce.
My children love ragu with these small shells. The ragu sauce gets trapped inside the shells and makes the most perfect bite.
Any short pasta like bowtie (farfalle) of rotini (fussili) will grasp the sauce well and add a fun element to the dish.
Again, you can't go wrong with any for this heartwarming meal, so pick your favorite.
You can also make homemade tagliatelle or pappardelle with this homemade pasta recipe.
Learn more about how to cook pasta like an Italian here.
Can you Freeze this Italian Ragu Recipe?
Yes! You can freeze this classic Italian ragu recipe! I doubt there will be any leftovers, but just in case you want to save the leftover meat sauce here is what you need to do- allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
Ragu will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead Meat Sauce Ragu
Transfer the cooled short rib ragu sauce to an airtight container & store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To serve, all you have to do is heat it up & toss it with your pasta of choice – easy!
Pro Italian pasta serving tip: ake sure to stir you pasta with the sauce and not put your sauce on top of spaghetti (or pasta of choice).
This is the kind of meat sauce that is even better the next day. You will love this authentic recipe for Italian ragu (authentic bolognese sauce).
What to Serve with Italian Ragu
This Classic Italian Ragu Recipe (Meat Sauce) is filling and delicious! For sides, I recommend a few light dishes. Start with an Italian Fennel, Citrus, Pomegranate, and Salad, and serve with a side of Fast Italian No Knead Ciabatta Bread, or No Knead Italian Focaccia Bread. I love to dip a piece of bread right into the pot of this slow-cooking sauce.
Don't forget dessert! Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe (Authentic) or Simple Italian Apple Cake (one bowl)!
More delicious recipes
- Authentic Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe (soup)
- Broccoli Pasta with Sausage Recipe (Italian)
- BEST Lobster Ravioli Sauce with Lemon Brown Butter
- Italian Braciole Recipe (Stuffed Beef with Sauce)
Make sure to leave a ⭐️star rating on the recipe card and comment below if you make the recipe. I love to connect with you through my recipes.
I would love for you to tag me on Instagram @cucinabyelena so I can see your delicious Italian recipes. To get more ideas, follow me on Pinterest.
Print Classic Italian Ragu (Meat Sauce)
A cozy meal the entire family will enjoy! This classic meat ragu is your new GO TO RECIPE. A certain magic happens as the beef and aromatic vegetables slowly cook down tomato sauce in this classic ragu recipe. Simple and nutritious ingredients yield to the most delicious meal.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1-2 stalks celery, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled, finely chopped, or grated (about ¾ cup)
- 6 oz. ground beef (85% lean)
- 6 oz. ground veal (you can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or all beef)
- 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb. tagliatelle OR fettuccine (any variety of pasta will do)
- Finely grated Parmesan (for serving)
- 1 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until soft, 10-12 minutes (longer if you want).
- Add beef and veal (ground meat of choice)- sauté, breaking up with the back of a spoon, until browned, about 15 minutes.
- Add tomatoes; boil for 2 minutes, stirring often and scraping up browned bits. If using whole tomatoes use the back of a wooden spoon, or a spatula, to crush them into small pieces.
- Reduce heat to low heat and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, 40 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Boil pasta according to directions. When pasta is done cooking place it in a large serving dish and toss the ragu sauce until it coats the pasta completely.
- Top with plenty of freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Make up to 3 days in advance and reheat.
- Freezes for 3 months in an airtight container.
- Tip: if you desire your Italian meat sauce a little thicker you can always use tomato paste to thicken it a bit and add a rich flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: ragu, meat sauce, classic Italian ragu recipe, beef, pork, veal, carrots, onions
Tyler Hall says
I don't eat beef, could i replace it with chicken, or turkey?
Elena says
Hello! Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken works great!
Hannah says
This was the first time I’ve ever made a ragu sauce! I was impressed with how easy it was, and with the clear directions. I used all beef and wish I had done 80% lean, but will do next time. I agree with Elena’s kids that shells are great - gets the sauce in all the little nooks and crannies. There are no leftovers with this sauce! Delicious!
★★★★★
Elena says
This is a classic sauce we make frequently. I am thrilled you love it as well.
Josephine says
5/5! So simple and so delicious.
We love it. 💜👌🏼
★★★★★
Elena says
Happy you loved it. We enjoy it regularly in our home!
Elena says
It is one we make often!
Lisa says
Best Ragu ever. I made this for my family this weekend. I followed your recipe exactly and it came out so delicious and perfect. I love that it has simple whole ingredients and was so easy to prepare. I used medium shells for the pasta. My family loved it and we'll be making this again soon. I made your amazing Italian Apple Cake for dessert and my family was so impressed.. ha. Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Elena says
This ragu speaks to my heart! It is my nonna's recipe. I always keep a batch in the freezer! It is a time saver on busy nights.
Goldie says
Simply delicious! We enjoyed it with some crusty Italian bread and wine!
★★★★★
Elena says
That sounds like the perfect dinner! So happy you enjoyed it.
Olivia says
This sauce is so delicious and my family loved it!
★★★★★
Elena says
It is an easy one to love!
Jody Jacobs says
This is incredible! The flavors are delicious. Definitely recommend. You will be so happy you did!!
★★★★★
Elena says
Happy you loved it! It is a family favorite. Thank you for taking the time to write a review.
Neelma says
Tried this for dinner and it was a slam dunk with all of us! 10/10!
★★★★★
Elena says
Neelma! So happy your family loved it!
Laurie BATES says
Do you have a recipe for the egg pasta for Lasagna, Please. By the way I made the pear cake it is beautiful and taste awesome. Thank you! Trying the Ragu now.
Elena says
Hi Laurie! I do not have a homemade egg pasta on the website yet. I use DeCecco brand lasagna pasta for a good quality dry pasta variety. I hope you love this recipe as much as we do!
Elena says
Yes, I have an egg pasta recipe. Look up "homemade pasta". You will use this dough when it is rolled out thin. Do not cut it into strips just enough to fit into your pan. Enjoy!
Robert says
I will definitely give your Ragu recipe a try but I'm just a bit curious that all the Ragu recipes I've cooked in the past all stated red wine as an ingredient?
Elena says
Hi!
You are right! Many recipe include red wine. This is a very traditional ragu sauce from Southern Italy. Our family has made this for generations without the wine. I find it a little lighter and more fresh without the wine. If you want a little depth and more intense flavor feel free to add a little wine and let it reduce with the rest of the sauce.
I hope you Love it,
Elena