Best Easy Maltagliati al Ragù Recipe

Irregularly cut 'badly cut' pasta in hearty meat ragù embraces rustic imperfection. This high protein mediterranean family dish proves pasta doesn't need to be perfect to be delicious.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 620 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • All-purpose flour 2 cups
  • Large eggs 3 pieces
  • Olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Ground beef (85% lean) 1 lb
  • Yellow onion 1 medium
  • Carrot 1 medium
  • Celery stalk 1 medium
  • Crushed tomatoes 1.5 cups
  • Whole milk 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • Fresh rosemary 1 tsp
  • Kosher salt 1.5 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.75 tsp
  • Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 70 g 45%
Protein 28 g 18%
Fat 24 g 36%
Serving size 325g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    On a large work surface, mound the flour and make a well in the center. Add eggs and 1 tbsp olive oil to the well. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, then knead until dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  2. 2

    Wrap the dough in plastic and let rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery.

  3. 3

    In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and a pinch of salt. Sauté 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften and start to brown.

  4. 4

    Add minced garlic and rosemary; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add ground beef, season with half of the salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high, breaking up meat with a spoon, and cook until browned with no pink spots.

  5. 5

    Pour in crushed tomatoes and milk, bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and let the ragù simmer for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a few tablespoons of water.

  6. 6

    While sauce simmers, roll rested pasta dough into a thin sheet (about 1/16 inch). Using a knife or pastry wheel, cut rough, irregular shapes of pasta about 2 inches across. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.

  7. 7

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta for 3–4 minutes, stirring gently. Taste to ensure al dente texture; do not overcook.

  8. 8

    Drain pasta and transfer directly into ragù. Toss over low heat for 1–2 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb some sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

  9. 9

    Serve hot, finishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in Maltagliati al Ragù?
The core of this dish lies in the homemade maltagliati pasta and the rich beef ragù. The combination of freshly made egg pasta and deeply flavored ground beef sauce creates the signature rustic taste and texture that defines this Italian classic.
Q. How do I prevent overcooking the maltagliati pasta?
To achieve the ideal 'al dente' texture, cook the irregularly cut maltagliati for just 3–4 minutes in rapidly boiling salted water. Taste a piece to check doneness—homemade pasta cooks quickly and should have a slight bite. Immediately drain and toss with the ragù to avoid overcooking.
Q. What role does simmering play in ragù flavor development?
A gentle 60–75 minute simmer over low heat allows the ragù's flavors to meld and deepen. It also tenderizes the meat and integrates the milk for richness. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much for the best results.
Q. How many calories and protein does this dish provide per serving?
Each serving supplies 620 kcal and 28g protein, making it a hearty, high-protein meal. There's also 70g of carbohydrates and 24g of fat per serving, with protein contributing about 18% of the caloric total.
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