When the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting bowl of pasta topped with a rich and robust sauce. Our Stirling Ranges Beef & Chorizo Ragu combines the best of local flavors with a touch of rustic Italian cooking, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or when you just need a little comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1kg Stirling Ranges Beef mince (or the best quality mince you can find)
- 1 chorizo sausage, diced for a spicy kick
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, for a touch of earthiness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ghee, for richness
- 1 cup robust red wine, adding depth
- 1 jar of the best quality pasta sauce you can find
- 1 tablespoon chilli jam, for a sweet heat
- 1 tablespoon soft brown sugar (alternatively, maple syrup or coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (I used a balsamic fig reduction for extra yumminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley, for serving
Variations:
- For a twist, substitute the beef mince with cubed chuck steak for a chunkier texture.
Method:
- Start with the Base: In a heavy-duty cooking pot, heat olive oil and ghee. Sauté the onions, garlic, and mince for about 3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the Chorizo: Toss in the diced chorizo and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes until it’s nicely softened and caramelized.
- Brown the Beef: Add the Stirling Ranges Beef mince, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook just until the beef is browned slightly—this keeps those lovely juices in.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, letting it cook off for a few minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the flavors.
- Simmer the Ragu: Add the pasta sauce, chilli jam, sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the ragu simmer gently for about 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If using chuck steak, cover and simmer on very low heat for about 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and pulls apart easily.
- Oven Method: Alternatively, you can transfer the pot to an oven preheated to 150°C (300°F) and slow-cook the ragu, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
To Serve: Ladle the rich and meaty ragu over freshly cooked egg fettuccini, and garnish with shaved Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair with a crispy side salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy! This Stirling Ranges Beef & Chorizo Ragu recipe not only warms the belly but also the soul, offering a delightful blend of local beef and classic Italian flair. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection, perfect for those evenings when only the most comforting of meals will do.
