Best ever ragù 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.

Duck ragu

Simmer duck legs in a garlic and red wine sauce until tender, then shred into a luxuriously rich ragu – perfect for tossing through pappardelle.

Healthy spaghetti bolognese

This spaghetti bolognese has slightly less meat in than usual but no less flavour, and is bulked out with lentils for healthy fibre. You could also use vegetarian mince, if you like.

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.

Vegan mushroom bolognese

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.

Vegan pasta bake

Make an umami-rich vegan ragu with mushrooms and carrots, plus pre-cooked lentils to minimise prep time. Delicious baked in the oven with vegan cheese.

Bolognese pasta bake

Make this decadent, grown-up take on a pasta bake with a rich ragu and a layer of creamy béchamel sauce to make it extra luxurious.

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.

Slow and low goat ragu with orecchiette

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.

Pasta with smoky sausage ragù

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.

Puy lentil ragu with sweet potato linguine

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.

Rigatoni with mushroom and red wine ragù

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.