Description
A rich and hearty slow-braised lamb ragu cooked with tender lamb shoulder, aromatic vegetables, red wine, and tomatoes. Perfectly simmered until the meat is fall-apart tender, this classic Italian-inspired dish is wonderfully served over pappardelle, gnocchi, or creamy polenta for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lb lamb shoulder or lamb stew meat
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine or extra broth
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for slow braising the lamb.
- Season and Sear Lamb: Season the lamb shoulder generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then sear the lamb on all sides until it develops a rich golden-brown crust, locking in flavors.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aroma.
- Add Tomato Paste and Liquids: Stir in the tomato paste to deepen the sauce’s flavor, then pour in the red wine (or extra broth for alcohol-free) and scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and herbs including rosemary, thyme, and the bay leaf. Mix thoroughly.
- Braise the Lamb: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the lamb slow-cook and braise gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until it becomes tender and easy to shred.
- Finish the Ragu: Remove the lamb from the sauce and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded meat back into the sauce, stir, and let it warm through on low heat before serving.
Notes
- For an alcohol-free version, substitute red wine with additional beef broth.
- This ragu pairs excellently with pappardelle noodles, creamy polenta, or gnocchi for a truly comforting meal.
- Make ahead tip: This dish tastes even better the next day after flavors meld in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta Sauce
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
