Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Bush Tomato and Macadamia Nuts
Rich and hearty kangaroo ragu slow-cooked with Australian bush tomatoes and topped with toasted macadamia nuts for a unique nutty crunch. This australian-inspired beef ready in about 130 minutes pairs kangaroo mince, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb kangaroo mince
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup dried bush tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup macadamia nuts, toasted and chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 12 oz pasta (tagliatelle or pappardelle)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 diced carrot, 1 diced celery stalk, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb kangaroo mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over, about 6 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup red wine and simmer for 3 minutes until reduced slightly.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped dried bush tomatoes, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 cup beef broth. Season with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, toast 1/4 cup macadamia nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Cook 12 oz pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Step 5: Toss the drained pasta with the kangaroo ragu, plate, and sprinkle with toasted macadamia nuts for a delicious textural contrast. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Bush Tomato and Macadamia Nuts take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 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 Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Bush Tomato and Macadamia Nuts?
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 kangaroo mince from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Bush Tomato and Macadamia Nuts?
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 Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Bush Tomato and Macadamia Nuts 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 Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Bush Tomato and Macadamia Nuts?
Australian beef 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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