Ragu Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Ragu spaghetti sauce made with ground meat

This ground meat sauce is a delicious hearty ragu pasta spaghetti sauce that is comforting and delicious! The key to making a delicious minced meat sauce recipe is low and slow cooking according to my Italian neighbor.

SO YUM! A comforting meat sauce with al dente spaghetti is something I have always loved.

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Top Tips
• Whats the Key?
• Variations
• More Pasta Recipes…
• Let’s Talk Cheese!
• 📖 Recipe
• FAQ
• 💬 Community

Contrary to what I grew up knowing, an authentic Italian meat sauce is the true meaning of Ragu and not just the pasta sauce company. I am definitely thankful for some amazing neighbors who knew real Italian food and shared their ways with me growing up, because this is a go-to in our home.

Ingredients

• ground meat (beef, turkey, or alternative)
• arrabiata pasta sauce (or your favorite)
• Cento Brand crushed tomatoes (substitute with San Marzano Brand)
• fresh grated garlic
• parmigiano reggiano (fresh grated)
• spaghetti
• water, oil, salt, black pepper
• dried oregano
• baking soda
• red pepper flakes

Instructions

See the recipe card for directions

Top Tips

1. Cook on low heat for about 1-2 hours to get the best results
2. Add extra red chili flakes for more spice
3. Cheese is a must have for this recipe!

Whats the Key?

A very slow simmer! Who would have thought slow-cooking ground meat would change the flavor of a sauce? If you are in a hurry to have dinner, then this is definitely not a go-to meal. If you want to hang out and have some drinks, call some friends, or have a dance party with your kids pre-dinner, then this needs to be on the menu pronto!

Variations

• Kid Friendly - Use pasta sauce that is kid-friendly and no chili flakes.
• Vegetarian- Use soy grounds instead of meat (I do not recommend using a vegetable based ground. In my experience soy has worked best)

Kid Friendly Recipes…

• Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe (copycat)
• Air Fried Frozen Chicken Nuggets
• Pasta with Broccoli and Garlic Parmesan Sauce
• The Best Spaghetti and Meatball Marinara Recipe

More Pasta Recipes…

• Creamy Tahini Pasta
• Easy Pasta Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli
• Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
• Homemade Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe-Restaurant Style

Let’s Talk Cheese!

The debate will be never-ending when it comes to Parmigiano Reggiano vs pecorino romano. One is a bit tangier than the other and for that reason, I would go with Parmigiano Reggiano for this dish. It has a milder flavor which I think pairs well with the slow-cooked meat.

More Non-Veg Recipes…

1. Mint Chicken with Thai Basil and Minced Meat
2. Kheema Pizza - an Indian Pizza with Chicken
3. Indian Chicken Kheema Recipe

📖 Recipe

Ragu Meat Sauce

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or alternative)
• ▢ 12 oz arrabiata pasta sauce (or your favorite)
• ▢ 1 12oz can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• ▢ 3 cloves fresh grated garlic
• ▢ ¼ cup parmigiano reggiano
• ▢ 12 oz package of uncooked spaghetti
• ▢ 8 oz water
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ▢ pinch baking soda
• ▢ oil
• ▢ salt
• ▢ black pepper
• ▢ water for boiling
• ▢ red pepper flakes

Instructions

• Heat some oil in a sauce pan and add the ground meat. Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda and add the water.
• Continue to break up the meat.
• Season with salt, oregano, garlic, and black pepper.
• Add the pasta sauce.
• Let it come to a boil but continue to break the meat if necessary.
• Turn the heat down to the lowest setting and let it cook for about 2 hours while continuing to stir every once in a while.
• At this point you can make the spaghetti.
• Boil salted water in a large pot.
• Once it reaches a boil, add the spaghetti and cook to your texture liking. Strain and set it aside.
• Once the sauce has simmered you can mix the pasta and sauce together or have a “make your own bowl” dinner.
• Don’t forget to top the spaghetti with some parmigiano reggiano and red pepper flakes.

Notes

• Make it a low carb friendly meal by using zucchini noodles or almond pasta.

I recommend using semolina-based spaghetti for a more authentic taste that is cooked al-dente.

For this recipe, you can use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

You do not, but for optimal results I recommend it.

I would recommend a white wine with this dish since it is spicy.

Ragu Meat Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or alternative)
• 12 oz arrabiata pasta sauce (or your favorite)
• 1 12oz can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 3 cloves fresh grated garlic
• ¼ cup parmigiano reggiano
• 12 oz package of uncooked spaghetti
• 8 oz water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• pinch baking soda
• oil
• salt
• black pepper
• water for boiling
• red pepper flakes

Instructions

• Heat some oil in a sauce pan and add the ground meat. Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda and add the water.
• Continue to break up the meat.
• Season with salt, oregano, garlic, and black pepper.
• Add the pasta sauce.
• Let it come to a boil but continue to break the meat if necessary.
• Turn the heat down to the lowest setting and let it cook for about 2 hours while continuing to stir every once in a while.
• At this point you can make the spaghetti.
• Boil salted water in a large pot.
• Once it reaches a boil, add the spaghetti and cook to your texture liking. Strain and set it aside.
• Once the sauce has simmered you can mix the pasta and sauce together or have a “make your own bowl” dinner.
• Don’t forget to top the spaghetti with some parmigiano reggiano and red pepper flakes.

Notes

• Make it a low carb friendly meal by using zucchini noodles or almond pasta.

Recipe Courtesy of The Curry Mommy

Vegetarian Baked Beans on Toast is a classic British recipe that is naturally vegan when made with Heinz baked beans in tomato sauce or Bush Vegetarian Baked Beans. In this vagharela Indian beans recipe , I add spruce it up with spices to give it more flavor.

Pair the naturally vegan baked beans recipe with toasted bread, roti , or enjoy it as is!

Childhood favorite- we ate this exact recipe growing up during the winter months but the beans pair well as a snack for game-day gatherings or BBQ foods such as potato egg salad , coleslaw , or masala chicken wings .

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Storing and Reheating
• Equipment Needed
• Vegetarian Baked Beans Varieties
• Top Tips
• 📖 Recipe
• FAQ
• 💬 Community

Ingredients

• Vegetarian Baked Beans - Bush’s Vegetarian Baked Beans or Heinz Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce
• Asafaetido (optional)- helps with digestion
• Garlic, grated
• Ajwain Seeds - Adds so mcuh flavor and helps with digestion when added to beans
• Red Chili Powder (optional)
• Oil- any cooking oil will work
• Brown Sugar- (optional) only needed if using Heinz Baked Beans

This baked beans vegan recipe is naturally meat-free and dairy-free.

Toppings

1. shredded cheese - cheddar cheese or mexican blend tastes great!
2. hot sauce- taco bell hot sauce, taco sauce, or salsa
3. onions- chopped finely
4. ketchup- perfect for kids or adults who do not want extra spice
5. bread, roti, crackers, chips, etc

Instructions

1. Heat some oil in a sauce pot
2. Add the ajwain seeds and let them slightly cook (about 5-7 seconds).
3. Immediately add the asafaetido (if using)
4. Add the can of baked beans and fresh grated garlic.
5. Add red chili powder as preferred.
6. Mix well and let the beans come to a boil.
7. SERVE!

Storing and Reheating

Refrigeration- The cooked baked beans can last in the fridge for a few days.

Reheating - Heat on the stovetop in a pot until warm or in a microwave using a covered bowl. Enjoy as-is or with the beans on toast.

Equipment Needed

1. can opener
2. sauce pot
3. spatula to mix

Vegetarian Baked Beans Varieties

In my experience, these two variations have been the best for this vagharela beans recipe. In fact, I have served just a bowl of Bush Vegetarian Baked Beans at a tailgate party and it was loved by everyone. Not only is it filling, but pairs well with many snacks such as chips, cheese, and crackers.

Bush’s Vegetarian Baked Beans

The sweetness of Bush’s Baked Beans mixed with Indian spices makes this combination not only perfect for BBQ’s but for an everyday comforting meal. This is what I grew up eating and it can be found in all US Grocery stores.

Heinz Baked Beans

Top Tips

• Enjoy a bowl full of baked beans with chips and salsa on top
• Add red chili powder on top for extra spice
• Enjoy it with an extra serving of shredded cheese

📖 Recipe

Vegetarian Baked Beans Recipe on Toast

Ingredients1x2x3x

Baked Beans Ingredients

• ▢ 14-16 oz vegetarian baked beans (Bushs Vegetarian Baked beans or Heinz Brand Baked Beans)
• ▢ ½ teaspoon ajwain seeds
• ▢ 1-2 cloves fresh garlic, grated
• ▢ pinch asafaetido (optional)
• ▢ red chili powder (optional)
• ▢ oil

Beans and Toast Toppings

• ▢ 4 toasted sliced bread of choice
• ▢ shredded cheese, M exican blend is my favorite
• ▢ finely chopped onions
• ▢ Taco Bell Hot Sauce (or equivalent)
• ▢ Ketchup

Instructions

Cooking the Baked Beans

• Heat some oil in a sauce pot
• Add the ajwain seeds and let them slightly cook (about 5-7 seconds).
• Immediately add asafaetido.
• Add the can of vegetarian baked beans and fresh grated garlic.
• Mix well and let the beans come to a simmer on low heat.
• Turn off the heat and enjoy warm.

Beans and Toast

• Layer the cooked vegetarian baked beans on top of the crisp toasted bread.
• Add shredded cheese, onions, and hot sauce/ketchup on top.
• ENJOY!

Notes

Depending on which brand of baked beans you use it can range from 100-140 calories per serving (about 6 oz).

After warming up the canned baked beans they can be in the fridge for 3 days.

Yes, they are naturally gluten-free but be sure to check the label to ensure no contamination is present for Celiac or allergies.

They are a spice that is commonly used in Indian cooking. Often used in the winter months or paired with beans that may be harder to digest.