Ingredients
– 800 grams coarsely ground beef (not too lean)
– 300 grams pancetta, cut into thin strips
– 2 small to medium carrots, very thinly minced
– 1 celery stalk, very thinly minced
– 1 onion, very thinly minced
– 400 grams diced tomatoes or tomato purée
– 2 tablespoons double concentrated tomato paste
– 300 milliliters beef or vegetable stock
– 250 milliliters red wine
– 125 milliliters whole milk
– 4 tablespoons good quality olive oil
– Half a tablespoon salt
– 1 kilogram fresh pappardelle pasta
– 80 grams grated pecorino romano cheese
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare all ingredients by finely mincing the carrot, celery, and onion, and cutting the pancetta into thin strips for streamlined cooking.
2-Second Step: Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat, add the pancetta, and render the fat to start building flavor.
3-Third Step: Add the minced vegetables and cook gently on low to medium heat without browning them for a delicate base.
4-Fourth Step: Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef and salt, and stir for about 10 minutes until sizzling.
5-Fifth Step: Pour in the red wine and let it evaporate, scraping the pan bottom to incorporate all the flavors.
6-Sixth Step: Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes, cooking for one minute to blend.
7-Seventh Step: Add the stock, stir well, cover, and simmer on low for one hour to let everything meld.
8-Eighth Step: Add the milk, stir, cover again, and continue simmering for a total of 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally and avoiding browning the vegetables.
9-Final Step: Adjust salt to taste, then cook fresh pappardelle pasta in well-salted boiling water. Remove the pasta with tongs when nearly done and mix directly into the ragù. Serve immediately, topped with grated pecorino romano cheese, and consider preheating plates at 80°C for 10 minutes to keep it warm.
Last Step:
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🍖 Use coarsely ground beef for better texture and flavor.
🥓 Pancetta adds essential richness to the sauce.
🌿 Finely dice soffritto vegetables by hand to preserve texture.
🥛 Adding milk balances acidity of tomatoes and tenderizes meat.
🔥 Cook soffritto gently to avoid browning.
💧 Salt pasta water generously for optimum flavor.
🍝 Fresh pappardelle pasta is preferred but other shapes can be used.
❄️ Ragù freezes well for convenient future meals and is an excellent base for lasagna.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
