Authentic Italian Tagliatelle al Ragù with Homemade Tomato Passata

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hand-rolled pasta tossed in a slow-simmered meat ragù with sun-ripened tomatoes, featuring a perfect balance of rich meat and bright acidity for an authentic Italian Sunday dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 75 minutes pairs fresh tagliatelle, ground beef, ground pork for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 710 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 710 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely chop 1 medium onion, 1/2 cup carrot, and 1/2 cup celery. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat, then add vegetables and cook until softened (8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz ground beef and 4 oz ground pork, breaking up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink (5-7 minutes).
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup red wine, scraping the pot bottom, and simmer until wine evaporates (4-5 minutes). Add 1 can San Marzano tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until thickened.
  4. Step 4: Cook 12 oz fresh tagliatelle in boiling salted water for 2 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  5. Step 5: Toss drained pasta with 3/4 cup tomato ragù in a large bowl, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if needed to emulsify.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and a pinch of black pepper.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Italian Tagliatelle al Ragù with Homemade Tomato Passata take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Italian Tagliatelle al Ragù with Homemade Tomato Passata?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh tagliatelle from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Italian Tagliatelle al Ragù with Homemade Tomato Passata?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Italian Tagliatelle al Ragù with Homemade Tomato Passata for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Italian Tagliatelle al Ragù with Homemade Tomato Passata?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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