Quick Ragu Sauce

Have you cleaned out your freezer yet? Have you found a rogue pound of ground beef, pork, sausage, or chicken that you just don't know what to do with? If this is you, get that pound of meat thawing and let's make a quick ragu sauce!

I really love this recipe for a number of reasons - it's simple, there are under 10 ingredients, and anyone can make it. It's that easy.

I usually have most of these ingredients in my fridge and pantry, so this is a regular go-to dish in our house. You'll have the sauce done in 30 minutes.

Normally, my go-to sauce is a long, simmered Tuscan bolognese. My version takes 4 hours to make - it's really a labor of love. In fact, my bolognese sauce is my way of showing people I love the most that I care.

BUT - when I want a really good meat sauce - I don't always have four hours to spare.

And most people don't have that kind of patience, either.

This ragu gives you the same flavor profile as a bolognese - and your family and friends won't believe that you made it in 30 minutes.

Quick Ragu Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef, pork, sausage, chicken, or plant based protein
• splash of wine, white or red
• ¼ tsp salt and pepper
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp butter

Directions

Heat a large pot on medium heat.

Add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Let cook for 5 minutes, or until veggies soften.

Next, add your protein. Break apart with a spoon and let cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add a splash of wine, salt and pepper, and crushed tomatoes to the pot. Stir well. Cover pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.

After your sauce is done simmering, check the taste. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

To finish the sauce, add butter and stir well.

Serve over your favorite pasta and enjoy!