Irresistible Lamb Ragu Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Food

Imagine walking into your kitchen, greeted by the irresistible aroma of simmering Lamb Ragu. It’s savory, rich, and oh-so-comforting, wrapping you in a warm hug that says, “Everything will be alright.” The tender lamb braises to perfection in a sauce bursting with flavors, making it impossible not to drool just thinking about it. savory cranberry tartlets comforting potato soup This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience, transforming your dinner table into an Italian trattoria.

Now picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday afternoon, and you’re ready to impress friends or family. As the Lamb Ragu simmers away, you can almost hear the praises echoing from every corner of the house. pumpkin pie cookies This is more than just a recipe; it’s a chance to create lasting memories over bowls of pasta and hearty laughter. Are you ready for an adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance?

A memorable evening featuring this Lamb Ragu had my friends convinced I’d secretly trained under an Italian nonna. Their delighted expressions were priceless as they dug into their bowls for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this chewy caramel coconut cookies recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Lamb Shoulder: A cut that becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked; aim for around 2-3 pounds. slow cooker beef bites. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe recipe.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for richer flavor; it’s essential for sautéing and adding depth.
• Onion: Choose sweet onions; they provide a wonderful base flavor when softened.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and balance; slice them thinly for even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the ragu with aromatic goodness—don’t skimp here!
• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole tomatoes that you crush yourself; better texture and taste.
• Red Wine: A splash helps deglaze the pan and enriches the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme & Bay Leaf): These will elevate your dish with their fragrant notes—fresh is best!
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the wonderful flavors in the ragu.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

• Start by assembling all your tools: a large Dutch oven works wonders here. Ensure you have sharp knives for chopping and a wooden spoon for stirring.
• Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onions, and sliced carrots. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and release a sweet aroma.
• Increase heat to medium-high and add cubed lamb shoulder. Brown the meat on all sides until golden brown, which adds delicious flavor to your ragu.
• Pour in red wine while scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer until reduced by half; this step intensifies those marvelous flavors.
• Stir in crushed canned tomatoes along with thyme and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper before bringing everything to a gentle simmer.
• Cover the pot partially and reduce heat to low. Allow it to cook gently for 2 hours or until lamb is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
• Taste your ragu before serving; adjust seasoning as necessary. Consider folding in freshly chopped herbs right before serving for an extra burst of flavor!

Now that you’ve created this culinary masterpiece, serve it over pasta or polenta, sprinkle some grated cheese on top, and prepare yourself for compliments galore! Enjoy every bite of this delightful Lamb Ragu as if you’re savoring life itself—because honestly? You are!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the lamb to lock in flavor, then sauté onions and garlic before adding tomatoes. Let it simmer to develop a deep richness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the lamb for beef or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Add some red wine for extra depth!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover ragu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.

Cooking this lamb ragu reminds me of family gatherings where everyone gathered around the table, savoring each bite while sharing stories and laughter.

FAQ

What type of pasta pairs best with lamb ragu?

Pappardelle or tagliatelle are perfect choices for soaking up the rich sauce.

Can I make lamb ragu ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better when made a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to lamb ragu?

Yes! Use lentils or mushrooms as a hearty substitute for a delicious vegetarian version.

Print

Lamb Ragu

---

• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Lamb Ragu is a comforting Italian classic that transforms your kitchen into a culinary haven. This savory dish features tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Picture yourself enjoying this hearty ragu over pasta, surrounded by laughter and great company. With its delightful flavors and simple preparation, Lamb Ragu promises an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs lamb shoulder
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced thinly
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned whole tomatoes, crushed
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté garlic, onions, and carrots until onions are translucent.
2. Increase heat to medium-high and brown the cubed lamb shoulder on all sides.
3. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until reduced by half.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cover partially and cook on low for about 2 hours until the lamb is tender and easily shredded.
6. Adjust seasoning before serving with your favorite pasta or polenta.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the lamb overnight in red wine and herbs. Substitute lamb with beef or mushrooms for a different twist on this classic dish.