I originally posted this Sausage and Mushroom Ragout recipe 3 years ago — not long after my daughter left to start her freshman year of college. I think I was having withdrawals from not having her around anymore and was looking for anything to soothe my “missing Emily ache”. Pasta with a meaty sauce is definitely an appropriate salve.
Fast forward and my daughter is beginning her Senior year. Again, I’m getting that familiar lump in my throat and heaviness in my chest. She’s my only kid — and not so much of a kid anymore. Though we’ve been empty nesters for 3 years, when she graduates from college, I think it will seem more permanent. Cue the comfort food.
So, about this ragout. Well, what’s not to love? It’s thick, rich and meaty. Not only does it have ground beef, but also italian sausage and mushrooms!
It also starts with what I consider to be the holy grail of marinara sauces. Six cups of marinara is about the right ratio to go with the full pound of both ground beef and Italian pork sausage.
If you don’t have the time, or inkling to make your own marinara from scratch, pick up a good quality jarred version (no snarky comments from me, promise).
During the last 20-30 minutes of simmering, add about 3/4 cup of drinkable red wine — the rest of the bottle is for enjoying with dinner, obviously!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound baby bella or white mushrooms brushed of any grit, sliced
- 3 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 large cloves garlic
- 1 pound italian sausage casings removed
- 1 pound ground beef extra lean
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 6 cups marinara sauce can be store bought or use my homemade recipe - link included
- 3/4 cup red wine
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a dutch oven, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat, add mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until softened and they've given up their liquid. Transfer mushrooms to a small bowl.
Add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil to the pot and stir in the chopped onions. Cook 3-4 minutes until onions are softened and translucent.
Add sausage and ground beef and garlic. Using the back of a wooden spoon or fork, break apart the meat. Cook until the meat is browned. Spoon any excess fat from the browned sausage and beef and discard.
Add bay leaves, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, marinara sauce and mushrooms. Stir to combine. When the mixture starts to bubble, put the lid on the pot, slightly askew, turn the heat down to simmer and let the sauce cook and thicken, about 20 minutes.
Add the red wine and simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over pasta, gnocchi or spaghetti squash with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Recipe Notes
URL to the marinara sauce: http://www.garlicandzest.com/homemade-marinara-sauce
More Homestyle Favorites:
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- Homestyle Pot Roast
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- Chicken and Cornmeal Chive Dumplings
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- Hearty Homestyle Pork Ragout
Don’t Forget To “Pin It” For Later!
Hi! Can you please make a suggestion about a red wine to use? I don’t drink wine, so your suggestion is highly appreciated. I really would like to make this recipe along with your homemade marinara recipe and even the lasagna recipe ? If you could please pick a red wine even including brand I would so appreciate it. I live in Altadena, CA in Los Angeles county (just in case you are from the area for the wine suggestion)
Thank you!! ??
Hi Celeste, I would use any Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Zin and keep it priced in the $7-10 range. If you live near a Costco, their wines tend to be reasonably priced. For this recipe, I’ve personally used “7 Deadly Zins” or a Kendall Jackson Merlot. Ask someone working in the wine department for their recommendations under $10 for cooking. I’m sure it will work great!
Oh yeah, I love spaghetti and have been looking for a sauce recipes that would be great for winter times.
What a hearty meal for the winter months! I love anything that’s loaded with mushrooms.
Wow that ragout looks incredibly flavorful and so comforting. Nothing like a well-made home cooked meal. I love mushrooms so this is definitely one to make soon =) for my family
Wow, sausage and beef? This has my name written all over it!
You had me at mushroom! This looks so warm and comforting and savory! And your photography is gorgeous!