For a great mince recipe you’ll want to use again and again, give this delicious ragu a try and you’ll not be disappointed. As with any good ragu, it does take a little while to cook, but the resulting taste is so delicious you’ll soon see why it’s worth the time it takes.
With red wine, oregano and pancetta to help flavour this delicious dish, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
HOW TO MAKE RAGU
Method
- In a large sauté pan, heat the oil, then add the onion and carrots and cook for 15-20 minutes or until soft. Add the pancetta and cook until lightly browned. Now add the minced meat and keep stirring until browned. Add the garlic, wine and milk, bring to the boil then turn down to a simmer. Bubble for a few minutes, then add the tomatoes, purée, stock, oregano and sugar. Season well. Leave to simmer very gently for 2 hours, until thick.
- To serve, cook the pasta until al dente – just tender. As a general rule, allow 75g dried pasta per person, perhaps a little more if you are feeding very hungry people! Serve a big spoonful of ragu over each portion with some freshly grated Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 3tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 150g cubed pancetta or streaky bacon, roughly chopped
- 500g minced beef
- 500g minced free-range British pork
- 3 large garlic cloves, crushed
- 130ml red wine
- 2tbsp milk
- 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
- 2tbsp tomato purée
- 100ml good-quality beef stock
- 1tsp dried oregano
- 1tbsp sugar
- tagliatelle pasta, to serve
- grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
Jane Curran is a freelance food editor, stylist, writer and consultant based in Cape Town. Former food director of TI Media & woman&home. All about food, wine (dipWSET), gardening and the Arsenal.
-
Chocolate coffee brownie mince pies
Try a new spin on an old classic with these chocolate coffee brownie mince pies, the perfect blend of familiar, comforting, Christmas flavours with a crowd-pleasing chocolate and coffee twist
By Jen Bedloe Published
-
Pasta primavera
Pasta primavera is the ultimate spring pasta dish!
By Samuel Goldsmith Published
-
Italian Inspiration Pasta Salad
By Woman and Home Published
-
Chocolate and hazelnut roulade
This chocolate and hazelnut roulade comes with an optional Baileys Irish cream liqueur filling for an extra, festive twist
By Jen Bedloe Published
-
Baileys Cheesecake
This no-bake Baileys cheesecake is so easy to make and perfect for cream liqueur lovers, plus it takes just 40 minutes to prepare
By Jess Meyer Published
-
Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline
Serve this rich Chocolate torte with Baileys cream and salted praline for a festive dessert that makes a popular alternative to Christmas pudding
By Jen Bedloe Published
-
Amanda Holden is a vision in satin, faux fur and leather as she nails red wine dressing - and her classic Mulberry is the dreamiest addition
Amanda wore head-to-toe rich red as she wrapped up warm in style
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Jennifer Aniston's subtle glam eye makeup look is perfect for everyday elegance
Offering a subtle and natural look, Jennifer Aniston's warm brown eyeshadow is a go-to for everyday wear...
By Sennen Prickett Published
-
This is the red wine to avoid if you don't want a headache, according to scientists
There may be cause for celebration for those who suffer from red wine headaches, as scientists may have figured out how to avoid them!
By Laura Harman Published