Indulge in a Classic Veal Ragout Recipe for the Ultimate Comfort Food Experience.
Welcome to a taste of Italy with our classic veal ragout recipe, a comforting and hearty meal that's perfect for any pasta lover.
Featuring tender veal simmered in a rich tomato sauce with a hint of white wine, and a medley of beautifully sautéed vegetables, this dish is a deep dive into the flavors that make Italian pasta dishes beloved around the world.
Layered with aromatic herbs and a tangy touch of lemon, this recipe is designed to satisfy your cravings for a warm, satisfying dinner.
Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s the perfect choice for a family meal or a cozy evening in.
So grab your apron, and let’s bring the heart of Italy to your table with this exquisite veal ragout!
⦁ 6 cloves garlic
⦁ 8 oz (250g) aubergines
⦁ 6 ½ oz (200g) onions
⦁ 8 oz (250g) carrots
⦁ 11 tbsp (165ml) olive oil
⦁ 1 tin peeled tomatoes [250z (800g)]
⦁ 5 fl oz (150ml) red wine
⦁ 25 oz (800g) boneless veal
⦁ 1 bunch of oregano
⦁ 12 ½ (400g) orecchiette (ear-shaped pasta)
⦁ Salt & freshly ground pepper as desired
⦁ 8 oz (250g) courgettes
1. Finely chop onions and garlic; crush tomatoes in their juice. Set aside.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in 3 tbsp olive oil until translucent, then remove from pan.
3. Brown the meat in batches in another pan with 2 tbsp olive oil per batch, adding oil as needed.
4. Deglaze the final batch with red wine and add all meat, wine, and juices back to the onions and garlic.
5. Add tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes.
6. Peel and diagonally slice carrots and courgettes; slice aubergines similarly.
7. In a hot pan, fry aubergines in 5 tbsp olive oil for 4 minutes, add carrots and courgette, and fry for another 6-8 minutes.
8. Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and toss with 3 tbsp olive oil and a little pepper.
9. Add oregano leaves, lemon juice, and fried vegetables to the meat sauce. Reheat, adjust seasoning, and serve with pasta.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Orecchiette Pasta – “Little ears” that cradle sauce beautifully; dried or fresh works well
✔ Ground Meat – Traditional choices include beef, pork, or a mix; lamb or veal for variation
✔ Onion, Carrot & Celery (Soffritto) – Classic Italian base for deep, sweet flavor
✔ Garlic – Finely minced or thinly sliced for aromatic depth
✔ Tomato Paste – Intensifies the sauce's body and richness
✔ Crushed Tomatoes or Passata – Smooth or rustic, depending on preference
✔ Red Wine – Dry, full-bodied wine enhances complexity
✔ Bay Leaf, Thyme, or Rosemary – Fresh or dried herbs add earthiness
✔ Milk or Cream (optional) – Softens acidity and rounds out the sauce
✔ Salt & Pepper – Season in layers for full flavor
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Build the Soffritto Slowly – Sauté onions, carrots, and celery low and slow until soft and golden
✔ Brown the Meat Well – Don’t rush this step; caramelized bits = more flavor
✔ Deglaze with Wine – Scrape up browned bits to build depth into the sauce
✔ Tomato Paste First – Let it cook a bit before adding tomatoes to concentrate flavor
✔ Simmer Low & Long – At least 1 hour, preferably 2+, for rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Don’t Rush It – Ragù is all about patience; low heat lets flavors meld
✔ Add Milk Last – A small splash toward the end balances acidity from tomatoes
✔ Use Pasta Water – Reserve some to help bind sauce and pasta together
✔ Finish Pasta in Sauce – Always toss cooked orecchiette into the ragù to coat thoroughly
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Sweetness from Carrots – Balances acidity without needing sugar
✔ Wine Depth – Adds roundness and complexity; cook off alcohol completely
✔ Herbaceous Layers – Bay, thyme, or rosemary add earthy undertones
✔ Umami Boost – A touch of Parmesan rind during simmering deepens flavor
📦 Storage
✔ Fridge – Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container; improves over time
✔ Freezer-Friendly – Freeze ragù on its own (not with pasta) for up to 3 months
✔ Reheat Gently – Add a splash of stock or water to loosen as it warms
✔ Meal Prep Win – Make a big batch and portion out for easy future dinners
🍽 Serving
✔ Top with Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano adds salty richness
✔ Garnish with Herbs – Chopped parsley or basil for a fresh contrast
✔ Wine Pairing – Bold reds like Sangiovese, Barbera, or Chianti
✔ Perfect For – Cozy dinners, Sunday family meals, or a rustic date-night in