Ragu is a rich, meat-based sauce usually served with pasta, that is most commonly associated with Italian cuisine. In our guide to ragu sauce recipes, we’ve included different variations of this family favourite to suit everyone. Try the pheasant ragu for an impressive party dish with friends or, for a more traditional option, give our best ever ragu bolognese a go (it really is amazing!). Experiment with different pasta shapes and always remember to have plenty of grated parmesan on standby…
For more inspiration, check out our beef mince recipes, lamb mince recipes and pasta sauce recipes.
Easy ragu recipes
Best-ever spaghetti bolognese
When most of us think of ragu, it’s good old spag bol that springs to mind first, so here’s our best ever version. We’ve spent years perfecting this beef mince ragu and even have tips on how to make it in a slow cooker, too. You can find more of our favourite spaghetti recipes here.
Lamb ragu pappardelle
This easy yet impressive recipe comes from Italian restaurant Bancone in Covent Garden. The lamb is melt-in-the-mouth tender, and we love the way the wide ribbons of pappardelle hold it.
Turkey ragu
Like a healthier spaghetti bolognese, this turkey mince ragu comes packed with celery, courgette and carrots, plus a little Marmite for added flavour. We have more healthy pasta ideas over here.
Make your bolognese meat-free with a rich ragu of dried porcini and chestnut mushrooms, and plenty of vegetables. A great, low-fat vegan meal. Click here for more great vegan pasta recipes.
Lamb, tomato and oregano ragu
Swap same-old spag bol for this velvety lamb sauce, made light and fragrant with fresh oregano. Serve draped with a blanket of parmesan.
Check out this rich and flavoursome melt-in-the-mouth goat ragu served with al dente orecchiette and a topping of nutty parmesan. This may take a little time but you’re sure to impress your friends and family at your next dinner party.
Mac ‘n’ cheese with rich beef ragu
We’ve reinvented a classic mac ‘n’ cheese dish by adding a hidden layer of rich beef ragu to this recipe to make it really special and indulgent. This is just one of our best ever comfort food recipes.
Rich beef ragù with rosemary gremolata
This rich beef ragu is a taste sensation with its rosemary gremolata. We’ve served it here with creamy polenta, but it would also be delicious with pappardelle or garlicky mash.
Pheasant ragu
This recipe is great introduction to pheasant and makes one heck of a special ragu. It goes really well with tagliatelle and tastes even better when sprinkled with plenty of parmesan to finish.
A ragu recipe that only takes half an hour? Yes please. This is the best sausage and pasta recipe for two – by adding a hint of smoked paprika and fennel seeds, you’ll get a more interesting ragu sauce than anything you can buy. Find more great sausage recipes here.
This warming vegan bolognese-style ragu is ready in 40 minutes and makes for a great, lighter alternative to the classic. Served with sweet potato linguine, it’s gluten-free, too.
A deeply savoury mushroom and red wine ragu sauce that takes less than half an hour to make. An ideal veggie weeknight dinner. Choose rigatoni pasta to serve it with – the sauce clings to the ridges in the tubes.
