Timeless Slow-Simmered Tomato Ragù
A rich, deeply flavored tomato sauce simmered for 3 hours with aromatic vegetables and herbs, evoking traditional Italian kitchens of yesteryear. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 200 minutes pairs extra-virgin olive oil, diced carrots, diced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 8, 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
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 cup minced onions
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced carrots and 1/2 cup diced celery, then cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup minced onions and cook for 8 minutes until translucent and golden at the edges, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 14 oz diced tomatoes, breaking up large chunks with a spoon.
- Step 4: Add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 cup red wine, and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Step 5: Cover partially and simmer for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Uncover and simmer for an additional 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce deepens in color and flavor.
- Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil just before serving, letting it wilt into the sauce for 1 minute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Timeless Slow-Simmered Tomato Ragù take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Timeless Slow-Simmered Tomato Ragù?
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 extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Timeless Slow-Simmered Tomato Ragù?
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 Timeless Slow-Simmered Tomato Ragù for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Timeless Slow-Simmered Tomato Ragù?
Italian pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 180-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
