Article
Ingredients
For the Ragù:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) ground beef
- 8 oz (225g) ground pork (or a mix of veal and pork)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or passata)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated nutmeg, a pinch (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (350g) tagliatelle pasta (preferably fresh)
- Salt for the pasta water
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Ragù
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is browned all over, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour in the white wine and cook for a few minutes, until the wine has mostly evaporated. Stir in the milk and let it simmer gently until absorbed, about 10 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let the sauce cook slowly on low heat for at least 2 hours, preferably 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more broth or water. The sauce should be thick and rich.
How to Make Homemade Tagliatelle al Ragù (Recipe Guide)
Cook the Tagliatelle
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tagliatelle according to package instructions until al dente. Fresh tagliatelle will cook in about 2-3 minutes, while dried tagliatelle will take longer.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Combine and Serve
- Add a few ladles of the ragù sauce to the pasta, tossing to coat the tagliatelle evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Divide the pasta among serving plates. Top with more ragù sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
How to Make Homemade Tagliatelle al Ragù (Recipe Guide)
Tips To Make Tagliatelle al Ragù
The key to a great ragù is slow cooking. Allowing the sauce to simmer for several hours helps develop the deep, rich flavors.
While tagliatelle is traditional, you can also use other pasta types like pappardelle, fettuccine, or even rigatoni if tagliatelle isn’t available.
A combination of beef and pork is common, but you can also use veal or add pancetta for extra flavor. Ragù can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
A light grating of fresh nutmeg can add a subtle warmth to the sauce, enhancing its complexity.
How Many Calories Have Tagliatelle al Ragù
Calories Per Serving: Approximately 600-750 calories per serving (based on 4 servings)
Breakdown:
Tagliatelle Pasta: ~200-250 calories per serving
Ragù Sauce: ~400-500 calories per serving (depending on the meat and amount of sauce used)
Parmesan Cheese: ~50-70 calories per tablespoon
Final Thoughts
Tagliatelle al Ragù isn’t just a dish—it’s a story told through every bite. It captures the heart of Emilia-Romagna, where food is slow, soulful, and always meant to be shared. The silky pasta strands hug the rich, slow-cooked sauce in a way no quick recipe ever could, reminding us why tradition in Italian cooking is never rushed.