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Ragù alla Bolognese with Pappardelle

A heartwarming Italian dish that pairs rich ragù with silky pappardelle, perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 4 ounces pancetta, diced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound pappardelle pasta
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and sauté until it’s nice and crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the Vegetables: Toss in your finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir for 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onions become translucent.
  3. Garlic Time: Add the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute more until fragrant.
  4. Brown the Meats: Add the ground beef and pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Brown the meat for about 8 minutes until fully cooked.
  5. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping any brown bits off the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the tomatoes: Stir in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 90-120 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Finish with Milk: A half-hour before the ragù is done, stir in the whole milk and season with salt and pepper.
  9. Cook the Pappardelle: About 10 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pappardelle according to package instructions.
  10. Combine: Toss the hot pasta with a ladle of ragù, adding reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.

Notes

Ragù tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ragù alla Bolognese, Pappardelle, Italian comfort food, family recipe, hearty pasta dish