Italian Pork Ragu with Slow-Simmered Tomatoes and Red Wine

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich and hearty pork ragu slow-cooked in tomatoes and red wine, perfect served over fresh pasta or polenta. This italian-inspired thai ready in about 90 minutes pairs ground pork, olive oil, medium, finely diced carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced carrot, 1 finely diced celery stalk, and 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 500g ground pork, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until pork is browned and no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup dry red wine and let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Step 6: Add 400g canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well, bring to a low simmer.
  7. Step 7: Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil.
  9. Step 9: Serve hot over your choice of pasta or creamy polenta, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Pork Ragu with Slow-Simmered Tomatoes and Red Wine take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Italian Pork Ragu with Slow-Simmered Tomatoes and Red Wine?

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 ground pork from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Pork Ragu with Slow-Simmered Tomatoes and Red Wine?

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 Italian Pork Ragu with Slow-Simmered Tomatoes and Red Wine 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 Italian Pork Ragu with Slow-Simmered Tomatoes and Red Wine?

Italian thai 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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