This Hearty Minced Meat & Vegetable Ragù is a soul-warming, one-pan sauce that brings together the rich depth of seared minced meat, the sweetness of slowly braised vegetables, and the tang of tomato paste, all gently simmered in broth and aromatics. Inspired by traditional European meat sauces—think Italian ragù and French hachis Parmentier—this versatile ragù can be served over pasta, rice, polenta, or even spooned into crusty bread bowls. With layers of flavor built through browning, deglazing, and slow cooking, every spoonful delivers comforting warmth and robust umami. Best of all, it’s straightforward to prepare from pantry staples and makes generous leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Cooking Time
Preparation (chopping & measuring): 15 minutes
Browning the Meat & Onions: 10 minutes
Sautéing Celery & Carrot: 10 minutes
Building the Sauce (deglazing & simmering): 5 minutes
Braising Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Active Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Ingredients
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
400 g (14 oz) minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp vegetable oil (additional, for vegetables)
1 tbsp butter (additional, for vegetables)
2 stalks celery, finely diced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
150 ml water (to deglaze)
200 ml vegetable or beef broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste (for simmering)
2 spring onions (green onions), thinly sliced (for garnish)
30 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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