Beef Ragu

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 2 hours

Difficulty Level:

• 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine, beef broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 400 per serving
• Protein: 25 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce
• Tender ground beef and Italian sausage
• Vegetables add nutritional value and texture

User Comments:

• "This is an amazing dish! The sauce is so delicious and the meat is so tender."
• "I love the combination of flavors in this ragu. It's perfect for a special occasion."
• "This is a great recipe for a crowd. It's easy to make and everyone I've served it to has loved it."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to brown the meat and vegetables thoroughly before adding the liquid to the pot. This will help develop the flavor of the sauce.
• Don't overcook the sauce. It should be thick and flavorful, but not dry.
• Serve the ragu with your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.