Sausage and Mushroom Ragù: A Robust Italian Classic
Overview
If you seek a sumptuous, comforting, and flavor-intensive sauce, Sausage and Mushroom Ragù is the ultimate recipe. This traditional Italian dish harmoniously combines savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a slowly simmering tomato sauce enriched with garlic, herbs, and a hint of wine.
This ragù, served over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread, is a flexible dish that evokes the warmth of an actual Italian kitchen.
Let us explore the intricacies of preparing the finest sausage and mushroom ragù from the ground up!
Reasons to Appreciate This Recipe
✅ Rich & Flavorful: The amalgamation of sausage, mushrooms, and fragrant herbs produces a profoundly gratifying sauce. ✅ Easy Yet Impressive: Basic ingredients coalesce into a dish of restaurant caliber. ✅ Perfect for Meal Prep: The flavors intensify over time, rendering it an exceptional make-ahead meal. ✅ Versatile Serving Options: Relish it with pasta, creamy polenta, or as a stuffing for vegetables.
Required Ingredients
Regarding the Ragù:
One pound of Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
Eight ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or porcini).
- 1 small onion, coarsely diced – 3 cloves garlic, minced
One can (28 ounces) smashed tomatoes
One tablespoon of tomato paste
½ cup of red wine (optional, although it adds flavor) - ½ cup beef or chicken broth – 1 teaspoon dried oregano – 1 teaspoon dried basil – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For Presentation:
- 12 ounces of pasta (pappardelle, rigatoni, or fettuccine) – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for embellishment
Here’s the Sausage and Mushroom Ragù recipe in a table format for easy reference.
Sausage and Mushroom Ragù Recipe Card
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 4-6 servings |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Course | Main Dish |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Italian sausage (mild/spicy) | 1 lb (casings removed) |
| Mushrooms (cremini/porcini) | 8 oz, sliced |
| Onion (small) | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
| Red wine (optional) | ½ cup |
| Beef or chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
For Serving
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta (pappardelle, rigatoni) | 12 oz |
| Parmesan cheese | For garnish |
| Fresh basil/parsley | For garnish |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. |
| 2 | Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned (6-8 minutes). |
| 3 | Stir in mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and turn golden brown (5 minutes). |
| 4 | Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. |
| 5 | Add crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes. |
| 6 | Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta. |
| 7 | Toss pasta with the sauce, adding pasta water if needed. Serve hot with Parmesan and fresh herbs. |
Storage & Tips
| Storage | Details |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. |
| Freezer | Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container. |
| Reheating | Warm over low heat on the stove, adding broth if needed. |
Sequential Guidelines
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Incorporate onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Incorporate the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, or until aromatic.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
- Incorporate the Italian sausage, disaggregating it with a wooden spoon.
- Sauté until browned and thoroughly cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms 6.
Incorporate the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they exude moisture and attain a golden brown hue (5 minutes).
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
- Add the red wine and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, deglazing the pan by scraping up any browned residues.
- Incorporate the tomato paste and sauté for a further 1-2 minutes to enhance the taste.
Step 5: Reduce the Sauce
Add the smashed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Season with salt and black pepper according to preference.
- Bring the sauce to a mild simmer, then reduce the heat and allow it to stew uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring regularly.
Step 6: Prepare the Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Retain ½ cup of pasta water before to draining.
Step 7: Integrate & Present
- If the sauce is very thick, incorporate a small amount of leftover pasta water.
- Combine the drained pasta with the sauce, ensuring thorough and even coating.
- Serve hot with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.
Guidelines for Optimal Ragù
✔ Utilize Premium Sausage – The superior the sausage, the superior the ragù! Select Italian sausage infused with fennel for enhanced flavor.
✔ Include the Wine – Red wine enhances the sauce’s depth and richness. If abstaining from alcohol, utilize more broth instead.
✔ Allow to Simmer – Slow cooking enables the complete development of flavors. Should you possess more time, allow it to simmer for a duration of up to one hour.
✔ Prepare in Advance – Ragù improves in flavor when allowed to rest overnight, as the ingredients harmonize. Preserve in an airtight container for a maximum of 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
Recommendations for Serving
With Pasta: Pappardelle, rigatoni, or tagliatelle effectively retain the heavy sauce.
Serve atop creamy polenta for a rustic Italian dish.
🥖 With Bread: Savor with toasted ciabatta or a crusty baguette. 🧀 Stuffed Peppers: Utilize the ragù as a stuffing for bell peppers or zucchini.
Common Inquiries
Is the Use of Alternative Meats Permissible?
Affirmative! Italian sausage can be substituted with ground beef, turkey, or lamb; nevertheless, sausage imparts the most flavor.
Which Mushrooms Are Most Effective?
Cremini, baby bella, or porcini mushrooms provide the most robust flavor; nevertheless, white button mushrooms are also acceptable.
What Methods Can I Employ to Increase Its Spiciness?
Utilize hot Italian sausage and incorporate additional red pepper flakes for enhanced spiciness.
Is This Recipe Suitable for a Keto Diet?
Affirmative! Accompany it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower purée instead of spaghetti.
Concluding Reflections
Sausage and Mushroom Ragù is a classic Italian recipe that offers robust tastes with little effort. This ragù is sure to be a success, whether for a comforting evening meal or to amaze guests.
Experiment with this recipe and inform me of the results! Enjoy your meal! 🍷✨
