Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Bush Tomato and Pepperberry

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

A rich slow-cooked kangaroo ragu featuring Australian bush tomatoes and pepperberry that delivers a robust and earthy flavor perfect for pasta or polenta. This australian-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs kangaroo mince, olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb kangaroo mince to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp bush tomato chutney, and 1 tsp crushed dried pepperberries. Cook for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup red wine and 1 cup beef broth, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Add 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot over fresh pasta or creamy polenta for a hearty meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Bush Tomato and Pepperberry take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Pepperberry?

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 Pepperberry?

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 Pepperberry 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 Pepperberry?

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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