Best Easy Ragù Napoletano con Carne Recipe

Sunday meat ragù slow-cooked for hours with various cuts is Naples' proudest sauce. This high protein mediterranean family ritual produces a rich carnivore masterpiece that feeds the entire household.

Cook 420 min Difficulty NORMAL 410 kcal
#Mediterranean #High Protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • beef chuck 2 lbs
  • pork shoulder 1.5 lbs
  • pork ribs 1 lbs
  • Italian sausage 4 pieces
  • yellow onion 2 cups
  • carrot 1 cup
  • celery 1 cup
  • whole peeled tomatoes 56 oz
  • tomato paste 4 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra-virgin olive oil 5 tbsp
  • garlic 5 cloves
  • dried oregano 2 tsp
  • fresh basil 0.5 cup
  • coarse kosher salt 2 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • red wine 1.5 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 18%
Protein 36 g 35%
Fat 20 g 47%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    1. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear beef chuck, pork shoulder, and ribs until deeply browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    2. Add remaining olive oil, onions, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté gently over medium heat until vegetables are soft and golden, about 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    3. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 2 minutes, ensuring paste darkens but does not burn. Deglaze with red wine, scraping up any browned bits, and let simmer for 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    4. Return all meats and sausages to the pot. Add peeled tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover partially, and reduce heat to very low.

  5. 5

    5. Slow-cook for 5–6 hours, stirring every hour and turning meat for even flavor absorption. Adjust heat to keep sauce at a steady simmer, never boiling. Skim excess fat occasionally.

  6. 6

    6. In last hour, add fresh basil and check seasoning. Remove meats before serving, slice, and serve sauce with pasta; meats on the side for traditional family style.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The heart of Ragù Napoletano con Carne is the combination of beef, pork shoulder, pork ribs, and Italian sausage. These meats, slow-cooked together, impart depth, richness, and signature flavor to the sauce, making the dish a true Neapolitan classic.
Q. Why is slow cooking essential for a Neapolitan ragù?
Slow cooking for 5–6 hours at low heat allows the collagen and fat in the various meats to break down, resulting in a silky sauce, tender meat, and harmonious flavors. Gentle simmering helps prevent burning and ensures all ingredients meld perfectly.
Q. How can I prevent the sauce from becoming greasy or thick?
Skimming excess fat during cooking and stirring regularly keeps the sauce balanced. Also, partial covering maintains moisture. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or wine during the later stages to reach the desired consistency.
Q. What is the nutritional profile per serving?
Each 320g serving provides about 410 kcal, with 36g protein (35%), 18g carbohydrates (18%), and 20g fat (47%). The dish is high in protein and moderate in fat, supporting Mediterranean dietary patterns.
Q. Which tags apply to this ragù based on its nutrition and traditional ingredients?
Due to its high protein content and use of olive oil, vegetables, and various meats, this recipe fits 'Mediterranean' and 'High Protein' tags, reflecting its balanced nutrition and classic character.
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