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Hearty Ragu Bolognese

A bowl of hearty ragu Bolognese served over pappardelle pasta, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, set against a rustic wooden table.

Hearty Ragu Bolognese is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your table. With its rich and meaty sauce served over wide pappardelle noodles, it's perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.

This dish takes some time to prepare, but the result is well worth it, as the flavors develop beautifully during the slow cooking process.

Time
Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 225 mins Total Time: 4 hrs 5 mins
Servings 12
Description

This hearty ragu bolognese combines ground beef, Italian sausage, and tender chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, it's served over wide pappardelle pasta, creating a satisfying meal that warms the soul.

Ingredients
  • 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, coarsely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 can beef broth (14 1/2 ounces)
  • 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 cans tomato paste (6 ounces each)
  • Hot cooked pappardelle pasta
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Step-by-step Process
  1. Place onions, celery, carrot, and garlic in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped.
  2. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the vegetable mixture and nutmeg; cook and stir for 6-8 minutes until softened.
  4. Add ground beef; cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Stir in salt and pepper.
  5. Remove beef and vegetables with a slotted spoon; discard drippings from the pot.
  6. In the same pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
  7. Return the beef mixture to the pot. Stir in wine and bring to a boil; cook until wine has evaporated.
  8. Add beef broth and chicken breasts; return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
  9. Remove chicken and let it cool slightly; chop finely once cool enough to handle.
  10. Add heavy whipping cream and tomato paste to the pot; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  11. Return the chopped chicken to the pot; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  12. Serve over hot pappardelle pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 12


Amount Per Serving
Calories 461kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35g54%
Saturated Fat 16g80%
Cholesterol 112mg38%
Sodium 712mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 13g5%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 6g
Protein 21g42%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer, and add more broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

Keywords: Bolognese, Ragu, Pappardelle, Italian Pasta, Comfort Food