Description
This Healthy Ragu is a nutritious and flavorful meat sauce made with lean steak mince, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, simmered slowly in a rich passata base. Perfectly paired with jacket potatoes, it offers a comforting, wholesome meal ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 2 large onions (320g), halved or quartered, then sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, finely grated
- 500g 5% fat steak mince
- 500g carton passata
- 3 carrots (320g), finely chopped
- 1 tbsp thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp vegetable bouillon powder
- ½ tsp ground white pepper
- 200g frozen peas
- 4 jacket potatoes, to serve
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Cook Onions: Heat 1 tbsp of rapeseed oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become golden and soft.
- Add Garlic and Brown Mince: Stir in the finely grated garlic cloves, then add 500g of 5% fat steak mince. Cook the mince for a few minutes more, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned all over.
- Add Passata and Vegetables: Pour in 500g of passata, then add the finely chopped carrots, 1 tbsp thyme leaves, 1 tbsp vegetable bouillon powder, and ½ tsp ground white pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Ragu: Cover the pan and cook over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check the mixture’s consistency and add a splash of water if it appears too thick. Continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Peas and Cook Further: Stir in 200g of frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the peas are tender and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the hot ragu sauce over baked jacket potatoes for a hearty and healthy meal. Allow any leftovers to cool completely before freezing for up to three months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and warm until piping hot.
Notes
- Use lean steak mince (5% fat) for a healthier dish with less grease.
- You can add a splash of water while simmering to adjust sauce consistency.
- This ragu freezes well and can be kept frozen up to three months.
- Defrost thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure food safety.
- Serve with jacket potatoes for a balanced meal or pasta as an alternative base.
- For added flavor, fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be included.
- Vegetable bouillon powder enhances the savory depth of the sauce without adding saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: healthy ragu, lean mince ragu, low fat ragu recipe, healthy meat sauce, stovetop ragu, vegetable ragu, ragu with peas, easy family dinner
