Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Smoked Tomato and Rosemary

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

Rich slow-cooked kangaroo ragu infused with smoked tomatoes and fresh rosemary, perfect over creamy polenta or pasta. This australian-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs lean kangaroo mince, can smoked canned tomatoes, large, finely diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 350 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 large finely diced yellow onion, 1 medium finely diced carrot, and 1 finely diced celery stalk. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb lean kangaroo mince, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry red wine and simmer for 3 minutes until reduced by half.
  5. Step 5: Add 14 oz smoked canned tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours stirring occasionally until the sauce is thick and flavors meld.
  7. Step 7: Remove rosemary sprigs before serving. Use the ragu over creamy polenta or pasta for a hearty meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Smoked Tomato and Rosemary take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Smoked Tomato and Rosemary?

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 lean kangaroo mince from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Smoked Tomato and Rosemary?

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 Smoked Tomato and Rosemary 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 Smoked Tomato and Rosemary?

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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