Classic Italian Ragu Recipe (Meat Sauce) or, ragu alla bolognese, is a traditional Italian recipe that every Italian family loves. There is nothing better than a bowl of classic and authentic Italian Ragu Bolognese! The rich meat sauce clings to your pasta and brings you the mst comforting meal.

Every Italian nonna has their own meat sauce version and this is my Nonna’s traditional recipe for bolgognese ragu. It is exceptional with pasta or over polenta.

Serve this classic Italian-style ragu recipe with Fast Italian No Knead Ciabatta Bread (the best crusty bread recipe) and a simple salad for a delicious meal.

Classic Italian Ragu– A Family Meal

Looking for a cozy meal the entire family will enjoy? This classic sauce (meat ragu) is your new GO-TO RECIPE. A certain magic happens as the beef, and aromatic vegetables slowly cook down in the tomato sauce in this classic ragu recipe.

I like to make a big batch, freeze it in portions, and thaw it for a busy night. It is also a Sunday family favorite as it warms the house with the most delicious smell. The simple ingredients make this dish filling and perfect for the cooler months.

Add your favorite pasta and everyone will come running to the table. Don’t forget the freshly grated Parmigiano- it’s the traditional way!

You will also love Classic Italian Lasagne alla Bolognese with Bechamel Sauce, Easy Eggs in Purgatory, and BEST Italian Beef Short Rib Ragu. Also, try- How to Cook Steak in a Pan (Perfect Recipe) and How to Cook a Small Prime Rib Roast Recipe.

Simple Ingredients

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• Celery stalks
• Carrot
• Ground Beef (or a mixture of ground meats including ground pork and veal)
• Canned tomatoes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Pasta of choice (for serving)
• Finely grated Parmesan (for serving)

See the recipe card for quantities

How to Make Classic Italian Ragu Recipe (Meat Sauce)

This recipe starts out with a simple Italian soffritto a mix of onions, celery, and carrots cooked in extra-virgin olive oil.

Top Tips

Meat Sauce Thickness If you desire your Italian meat sauce a little thicker you can always use tomato paste, or tomato puree to thicken it a bit and add a rich tomato flavor . If your meat sauce is too thick you can always add a cup of broth. You can use a meat broth, or vegetabe stock.

Meat Variations for Italian Ragu Sauce

Traditionally, we use ground beef or veal, or even a mix of both for classic Italian ragu. I’ve also used ground turkey or ground chicken to lighten it up and I find the taste a little less rich, but still delicious.

In the summer months, I use ground turkey and ground chicken more and in the cooler months, I prefer the traditional beef or veal.

You can also add a little bit of pancetta, or a little garlic the next time you make it to another variation to the meat-based sauce.

You can’t go wrong with the meat you decide to use. Choose what your family loves and what will bring a happy gathering around your table.

Pasta Variations

This ragu sauce goes well with any kind of pasta! I love tagliatelle as they add a rustic taste and look to the classic ragu sauce.

My children love ragu with these small shells. The ragu sauce gets trapped inside the shells and makes the most perfect bite.

Any short pasta like bowtie (farfalle) of rotini (fussili) will grasp the sauce well and add a fun element to the dish.

Again, you can’t go wrong with any for this heartwarming meal, so pick your favorite.

You can also make homemade tagliatelle or pappardelle with this homemade pasta recipe.

Learn more about how to cook pasta like an Italian here.

Can you Freeze this Italian Ragu Recipe?

Yes! You can freeze this classic Italian ragu recipe! I doubt there will be any leftovers, but just in case you want to save the leftover meat sauce here is what you need to do- allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. 

Ragu will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead Meat Sauce Ragu

Transfer the cooled short rib ragu sauce to an airtight container & store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

To serve, all you have to do is heat it up & toss it with your pasta of choice – easy!

Pro Italian pasta serving tip: ake sure to stir you pasta with the sauce and not put your sauce on top of spaghetti (or pasta of choice).

This is the kind of meat sauce that is even better the next day. You will love this authentic recipe for Italian ragu (authentic bolognese sauce).

What to Serve with Italian Ragu

This Classic Italian Ragu Recipe (Meat Sauce) is filling and delicious! For sides, I recommend a few light dishes. Start with an Italian Fennel, Citrus, Pomegranate, and Salad, and serve with a side of Fast Italian No Knead Ciabatta Bread, or No Knead Italian Focaccia Bread. I love to dip a piece of bread right into the pot of this slow-cooking sauce.

Don’t forget dessert! Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe (Authentic) or Simple Italian Apple Cake (one bowl)!

More delicious recipes

• Authentic Italian Pasta e Fagioli Recipe (soup)
• Broccoli Pasta with Sausage Recipe (Italian)
• BEST Lobster Ravioli Sauce with Lemon Brown Butter
• Italian Braciole Recipe (Stuffed Beef with Sauce)

Make sure to leave a ⭐️star rating on the recipe card and comment below if you make the recipe. I love to connect with you through my recipes.

I would love for you to tag me on Instagram @cucinabyelena so I can see your delicious Italian recipes. To get more ideas, follow me on Pinterest.

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From My Cucina to Yours! Mangia! Mangia! Eat! Eat!

Elena.