Pasta with ragù sauce and mushrooms

Delicious Pasta Recipe with Ragu Sauce and Mushrooms

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Welcome to the savory world of pasta with ragu sauce! This recipe is not just about feeding the body, but also about bringing the family together around the table. The traditional ragu sauce is a rich combination of slowly cooked meat and vegetables, but today, I will show you a version that includes mushrooms for a more complex flavor and interesting texture. Let's get ready to enjoy a delicious meal!

Ingredients needed

- Wide pasta - 1 kg
- Ground beef - 500 g
- Onions - 3, finely chopped
- Bell pepper - 1, diced
- Mushrooms - 500 g, sliced
- Carrots - 2, grated or finely chopped
- Tomato juice - 500 ml
- Garlic bulb - 1, crushed or minced
- Celery stalks - 2, finely chopped (or celery root, as preferred)
- Olive oil - 4 tablespoons
- Red wine - 1 cup
- Salt - to taste
- Pepper - to taste
- Sweet or hot paprika - to taste

Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning and chopping the vegetables as finely as possible. The finer they are chopped, the better they will integrate into the ragu sauce. If you have time, feel free to let them sit a bit to release their flavors.

2. Cooking the vegetables
In a large skillet, add the 4 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, letting them sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and soft. This step is essential, as caramelized onion will add a natural sweetness to your sauce.

3. Adding the mushrooms
Once the onion and bell pepper are sautéed, add the sliced mushrooms. These will add umami flavor to your sauce. Cook them for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until they release their liquid and brown slightly.

4. Ground beef
Now it's time to add the ground beef. Mix well, ensuring no lumps form. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes until the meat changes color and browns.

5. The wine
After the meat is ready, add the cup of red wine. Let it simmer over medium heat until the alcohol evaporates (about 5-7 minutes). This step will intensify the flavors and add a special depth to the sauce.

6. Tomato juice and spices
After the wine has evaporated, add the tomato juice, crushed garlic, grated carrots, and celery. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, to taste. Mix all the ingredients well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 1 hour. This is when the flavors blend and the sauce becomes a soft and delicious paste.

7. Cooking the pasta
In another pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions (8-10 minutes for thicker pasta). Ensure the pasta is al dente, so it doesn't fall apart in the sauce.

8. Serving
Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the ragu sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta with the delicious sauce. If desired, you can add a little olive oil for extra flavor.

Serving suggestions
Serve the pasta with ragu sauce hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan on top and a few fresh basil leaves for added color and flavor. You can accompany this dish with a crispy green salad and a pomegranate or with freshly baked bread to soak up all the delicious juices on the plate.

Tips and useful advice
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the ground beef with a combination of lentils and vegetables to create a tasty vegetarian ragu sauce.
- Intense flavor: Garlic can be added towards the end, minced, for a stronger aroma.
- Storing the sauce: The ragu sauce can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for later use.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe offers a good source of protein from the meat and mushrooms, fiber from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the pasta. When consumed in moderation, this dish can be a satisfying choice for a nutritious meal.

Frequently asked questions
Can I use other types of pasta?
Of course! It also works well with short pasta, such as penne or fusilli.

Is the ragu sauce better if I make it a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, sauces of this type often become more flavorful when left to sit overnight, as the flavors have time to meld.

What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry red wine, similar to the one used in the sauce, will perfectly complement the dish. Additionally, sparkling water or iced tea can be refreshing options.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it's time to grab the ingredients and enjoy this delicious recipe for pasta with ragu sauce and mushrooms. It's a meal that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and turn any dinner into a true feast! Enjoy your meal!