The quick ragù is the perfect solution when you crave a rich and flavorful main dish but can’t wait for hours of cooking like traditional ragù. With just a few steps and half an hour of time, you can serve a simple, creamy, and fragrant ragù, ideal for dressing pasta or preparing lasagna and cannelloni in a quick version. A true ally for family lunches or impromptu dinners with friends!
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4/6
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
This is the amount for pasta dressing, double the quantities for lasagna!
- 1.1 lbs ground mixed beef/pork
- 1 shallot
- 2 grated carrots
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups tomato purée
- Half glass of water
- 1 broth cube
- to taste basil
Tools
- Pot
Steps
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped shallot (or onion) and grated carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables soften and release a delicate aroma.
Add the ground meat to the pot, crumbling it well with a spoon. Let it brown until it turns golden and is no longer “raw” inside.
Add the tomato purée and half a glass of water. Mix carefully to combine all ingredients well.
Once the sauce starts to simmer, add the broth cube (or granulated broth), season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. If the ragù becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water (or broth) during cooking.
After 20 minutes, the ragù will have reached a thick and well-combined consistency. If you want a thicker sauce, you can continue for a few more minutes, making sure it doesn’t dry out too much.
It is perfect for dressing pasta (penne, fusilli, spaghetti) or for ingredients like lasagna or cannelloni.See how simple and quick its preparation is?
Enjoy your meal!
Tips
More flavor? Add a stalk of chopped celery or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Extra spices: fresh basil, oregano, a pinch of chili if you like a spicy touch.
Storage
In the refrigerator, well sealed in an airtight container, it keeps for up to 2-3 days.
In the freezer, divide it into portions (e.g., 200-300 g), seal well, and store for up to 2-3 months.
To defrost, transfer it to the fridge the night before or use the “defrost” function of the microwave, then heat slowly on the stovetop.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is just 20-25 minutes of cooking time really enough?Yes! In less than half an hour, you get a rich and flavorful ragù, perfect when you want to serve a tasty dish but have little time available.
The addition of a broth cube and a bit of water during cooking speeds up the process and makes the sauce balanced without the need for long hours on the stove.
