Sausage Ragu Recipe: A Flavorful Italian Delight

This sausage ragu recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Rich, savory, and deeply flavorful, this ragu is perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests. This recipe focuses on building layers of flavor, using readily available ingredients, and provides tips for achieving the perfect texture. Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot, your preference!)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (the classic mirepoix)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup dry red wine (like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Building Flavor Layer by Layer

Follow these steps to create a delicious and authentic sausage ragu.

Step 1: Browning the Sausage

• Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
• Crumble the sausage into the pot and brown it completely, breaking it up with a spoon. This step renders the fat and develops the sausage's flavor. Don't rush this step!

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables (The Mirepoix)

• Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
• Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. This step builds the base flavor of your ragu.

Step 3: Adding Aromatics and Wine

• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is called deglazing and adds immense flavor). Let the wine simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.

Step 4: Simmering the Ragu

• Return the browned sausage to the pot.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Serving Your Delicious Sausage Ragu

• Once the ragu has simmered to your desired consistency (it should have thickened nicely), taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over your favorite pasta (pappardelle, rigatoni, or tagliatelle work well). Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Perfect Sausage Ragu

• Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the ragu will taste.
• Don't be afraid to experiment: Try adding other vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Simmer low and slow: This is key to developing deep, rich flavors.
• Make it ahead: This ragu tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.

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This complete article provides a delicious recipe, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips, all while incorporating relevant keywords for improved SEO performance. Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family!