Quick Ragu Pasta

Quick Ragu Pasta

Quick Ragu Pasta

I know that when the average foodie hears the like of Rachel Ray they cringe, but I just tried a take on one of her recipes and it was pretty darn good.  As a man that likes to eat I will try just about anything once.  Granted I have tried a couple of her recipes and had less than great results. However, this one hit the nail on the head.  Her Christmas Pasta recipe is great.  I modified it a bit to help with standard shopping ingredients and sizes, but for the most part left it as-is.  The pancetta to start if off adds some great flavors.  Plus this recipe makes a ton of sauce and then allows you to cook only the pasta necessary for each meal.  Only two of you, make 1/2 lb of pasta and you are good to go.  Want some leftovers for lunch, boil some fresh pasta and toss it with some leftover sauce.  There is nothing like fresh pasta to make leftovers not taste like leftovers. I also changed the name as it is more of a Ragu than anything.

Quick Ragu Pasta

Heat a dutch oven or large heavy bottom pot over medium high heat.

Brown the garlic and pancetta

Add oil, bay, and pancetta bits and brown for 1 minute. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute.  Make sure to stir frequently so the garlic does not burn.

Add the meat

Add meats and brown.  Using a wooden spoon crumble and continue to cook for 5 minutes.

Add the veg

Add the carrots, celery, and onions to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes.

Veggie time spectacular

Add the wine and cook for 1 minute.

Sauce it up

Add stock and tomatoes to the pot.

Spice it up

Stir in parsley, allspice and season sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.

The perfect sauce

Bring sauce to a boil, reduce heat to medium low, and cook 10 to 15 minutes minimum before serving.

The Pasta

Cook as much of the pasta as needed. Toss the pasta with a couple of ladles of sauce.

Toss it up

Finish the pasta off with some freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.

The perfect meal

Quick Ragu Pasta
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 
A quick Ragu Pasta based on Rachel Ray's Christmas Pasta. Boil as much pasta as needed and toss in the sauce. Save the sauce in the fridge and heat as needed. This is the perfect pasta for a whole week full of meals.
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Ragu
Servings: 10
Author: Rex
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 bay leaf fresh or dried
  • 1/4 pound pancetta thick cut, chopped into small bits (Italian cured pork, ask at deli counter)
  • 1 pound bulk hot Italian sausage
  • 1 pound meatloaf mix ground beef, pork and veal
  • 1 medium carrot peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 rib celery chopped
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 cup Cabernet Savignon
  • 14 oz can beef broth
  • 2 28-ounce cans chunky style crushed tomatoes
  • 2 Tbs flat leaf parsley leaves
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • Coarse salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 boxes penne
  • Grated Pecorino Romano
Instructions
  1. Heat a dutch oven or large heavy bottom pot over medium high heat. Add oil, bay, and pancetta bits and brown for 1 minute. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Make sure to stir frequently so the garlic does not burn..
  2. Add meats and brown. Using a wooden spoon crumble and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add the carrots, celery, and onions to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add the wine and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add stock and tomatoes to the pot.
  6. Stir in parsley, allspice and season sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
  7. Bring sauce to a boil, reduce heat to medium low, and cook 10 to 15 minutes minimum before serving.
  8. Cook as much of the pasta as needed. Toss the pasta with a couple of ladles of sauce.
  9. Finish the pasta off with some freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
Recipe Notes

Recipe adapted from Rachel Ray's Christmas Pasta - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/christmas-pasta-recipe/index.html

Nobody was more surprised than me by how easy and delicious this recipe actually was.

Quick Ragu

You have to try this out!

Rex

Rex is an avid griller, barbecuer and bacon enthusiast. He is the Pitmaster for the Rex BBQ competition team. Rex was also featured on the TV show American Grilled. If you have any questions or wish to have Rex decode your favorite dish, click on the ASK REX link in the menu above.

View all posts by Rex →

One thought on “Quick Ragu Pasta

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating