The Simplest Beef Ragu You Will Ever Make

There are few things as comforting and satisfying as a rich, slow-cooked beef ragu. The aroma alone transports you to an Italian Nonna's kitchen, promising warmth, flavour, and pure culinary bliss. Traditionally, creating a truly exceptional ragu requires hours of patient simmering, careful layering of flavours, and a considerable amount of washing up!

But what if we told you that you could achieve that same depth of flavour, that same melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, with virtually no effort at all?

At Carluccio's, we believe that authentic Italian taste should be accessible to everyone, even on the busiest of weeknights. That's why we've done all the hard work for you, perfecting our exquisite Ragù Di Chianina.

The Secret to Beef Ragu Is In The Slow Cooking...

Our Ragù Di Chianina isn't just a sauce; it's a testament to traditional Italian cooking methods, executed with passion and respect for the finest ingredients. We start with succulent, high-quality beef, slowly braised until it's incredibly tender and falling apart.

To build that signature depth of flavour, we combine the beef with a classic Italian sofritto – a finely diced aromatic base of sweet onion, crisp celery, and earthy carrots, all gently sautéed in fragrant extra virgin olive oil. This trio forms the foundational layer, releasing its natural sugars and essences as it cooks.

Then comes the rich tomato element: a combination of vibrant tomato pulp and concentrated tomato paste, adding both sweetness and tang. A splash of wine is introduced to deglaze the pan and lend a sophisticated note, while a delicate balance of salt, carefully selected spices, and fragrant herbs complete the symphony of flavours.

The true magic, however, lies in the time. All these wonderful ingredients are brought together and cooked slowly, for several hours. This extended simmering time allows the flavours to meld, deepen, and concentrate, transforming simple components into a complex and utterly delicious ragu that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.

Your Simple Italian Feast Awaits

And now for the truly revolutionary part – your role in creating this masterpiece.

Here’s the simplest beef ragu recipe you will ever encounter:

1. Open a jar of Carluccio's Ragù Di Chianina.

2. Gently heat through on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot.

3. Serve generously with your favourite Carluccio's pasta (May we suggest a hearty pappardelle or Carluccio's Penne Regine Pasta, to truly capture every last bit of that rich sauce) and grate over a little parmesan. 

That’s it. No chopping, no hours by the stove, no mountain of pans to wash. Just pure, unadulterated Italian comfort, ready in minutes.

So, when that craving for an authentic, deeply satisfying beef ragu strikes, remember that the simplest path to culinary joy is often the most delicious. Pick up a jar of our Ragù Di Chianina (or indeed any of our ragu's and sauces) and experience the taste of true Italian passion, whilst barely lifting a finger. Buon appetito!

All our sauces our made with love and passion. If you want to read more about that, check out our blog 'THE Ingredient in Italian Food That Everyone Needs to Know About'