Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Wild Mushroom and Tomato

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

A rich slow-cooked ragu using lean kangaroo meat paired with earthy wild mushrooms and ripe tomatoes, perfect over pappardelle or creamy polenta. This australian-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs kangaroo mince, 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 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: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced carrot, 1 finely diced celery stalk, and 1 medium finely diced onion; sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 8 oz sliced wild mushrooms, cooking for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb kangaroo mince, breaking it apart with a spoon; cook for 5-6 minutes until browned evenly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup red wine and simmer for 3 minutes until reduced by half; then add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 bay leaf.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the ragu simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz pappardelle pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain.
  7. Step 7: Remove the bay leaf from the ragu, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve the kangaroo ragu spooned generously over the pappardelle.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Wild Mushroom and Tomato 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 Wild Mushroom and Tomato?

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 Wild Mushroom and Tomato?

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 Wild Mushroom and Tomato 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 Wild Mushroom and Tomato?

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.