Mixed Meat Sauce(Salsa Di Ragu)
A rich, hearty mixed meat sauce with robust flavors of garlic, herbs, and tomato, perfect for hearty pasta dishes and suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 lamb shank ⓘ
- 1 pound beef ⓘ
- 2 pigs feet ⓘ
- 1/2 pound spareribs ⓘ
- 3 chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage ⓘ
- 6 to 8 meatballs ⓘ
- 1 stuffed flank steak ⓘ
- 3 cans tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cans water
- 5 parsley sprigs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 4 basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon red crushed pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add halved garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant.
- Add all meats: lamb shank, beef, pigs feet, spareribs, chicken breasts, Italian sausage, meatballs, and stuffed flank steak.
- Brown the meats on all sides, then add tomato puree, water, parsley, oregano, basil, red crushed pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove meats, shred if necessary, and return to sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot over pasta or as a second course with salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while browning the meats. If lamb shank isn't available, beef shank can be a good substitute. Fresh herbs are best, but dried can work in a pinch—just use about one-third of the amount. Make sure to adjust the salt based on the saltiness of your sausage to ensure balanced seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty mixed meat sauce over your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and crusty bread. For a variation, try it with polenta or as a filling for Italian recipes like lasagna. Enjoy it alongside a glass of red wine for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover mixed meat sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture as it heats.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mixed Meat Sauce(Salsa Di Ragu) contains roughly 717 calories, with 63g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (125% of the Daily Value), iron (83% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1018mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat in this sauce?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute meats based on what you have. For example, chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts, and you can use beef short ribs instead of spareribs. Just ensure the total weight of meat remains roughly the same for optimal flavor.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it has thickened and the flavors have melded together, typically after about 3 hours of simmering. You can taste it periodically to check for seasoning, and the meats should be tender enough to shred easily. Adjust the seasoning before serving for the best flavor.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made a day ahead. In fact, the flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier. Simply cool it completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove and consider adding fresh herbs just before serving to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).