Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Wild Mushrooms
A rich, hearty ragu using lean Australian kangaroo meat and earthy wild mushrooms, slow-cooked to tender perfection and served over pappardelle. This australian-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs kangaroo mince, extra virgin olive oil, large, diced yellow onion 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced carrot
- 1, diced celery stalk
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 8 oz, sliced wild mushrooms
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk; sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 8 oz sliced wild mushrooms to the pot. Cook for 4 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb kangaroo mince, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then pour in 1/2 cup dry red wine. Let it simmer and reduce for 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover loosely and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and meat is tender.
- 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.
- Step 7: Remove thyme sprigs from the ragu, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve sauce over pasta and scatter 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Kangaroo Ragu with Wild Mushrooms 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 Mushrooms?
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 Mushrooms?
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 Mushrooms 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 Mushrooms?
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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