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Slowly Simmered Italian Sausage Ragu

Slowly Simmered Italian Sausage Ragu (Stovetop, Slow Cooker, Instant Pot)

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slowly Simmered Italian Sausage Ragu, a versatile dish perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. This hearty sauce features a delightful blend of ground beef simmered with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and vibrant tomatoes. Enhanced with the tanginess of white apple vinegar, each bite is a taste of Italy. Whether served over pasta, creamy polenta, or paired with crusty bread, this ragu is sure to impress. Enjoy the ease of preparing it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot for a delicious meal that warms both heart and soul.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds fresh Italian sausage (beef)
  • 3 large carrots, diced
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • one 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry white apple vinegar
  • one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 810 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season
  • 16 ounces rigatoni or pasta of choice
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté diced carrots, celery, and onion until browned (15-20 minutes).
  2. Push veggies aside and brown the ground beef for 5-6 minutes; break into smaller pieces.
  3. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Deglaze with white apple vinegar, then add crushed tomatoes and chicken stock.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for about 90 minutes.
  6. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente; reserve pasta water before draining.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and toss the cooked pasta with the ragu to coat evenly.

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