Slow Cooker > Italian

Slow Cooker Ragù alla Salsiccia Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Slow cooker

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
2. Drain the excess fat and transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
5. Temperature:
Low or high setting on slow cooker
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 360
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 1040mg
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Spicy Italian sausage can be used instead of sweet Italian sausage.
- Ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Chicken broth can be used instead of beef broth.

Variations:
- Add diced bell peppers and/or mushrooms to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use this ragù as a topping for pasta, polenta, or rice.
- Make a lasagna with this ragù as the meat sauce.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to remove the casings from the sausage before cooking.
- Browning the meat and onion before adding to the slow cooker adds extra flavor.
- Stirring in the Parmesan cheese at the end adds a nutty, salty flavor to the ragù.

Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the ragù in a large bowl or on a platter with a ladle for serving.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the ragù is too thick, add more beef broth or water to thin it out.
- If the ragù is too thin, let it cook for another hour or so with the lid off to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the meat to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Ragù alla Salsiccia is a classic Italian meat sauce made with sausage, ground beef, and tomato sauce. It is typically served over pasta.

Flavor profiles:
This ragù is savory, slightly sweet, and has a hint of spice from the Italian sausage.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the ragù over pasta, polenta, or rice.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Herbal, Spicy, Tangy