A hearty ragu made with ground meat and tomatoes, paired with crispy arancini made from leftover risotto.

Ragu with Arancini recipe

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Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
1hr 0min
Total Time
1hr 20min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion of ragu and arancini)

Ragu

  • tomato peeled and seeded tomatoes (hand crushed) or jar pasta sauce
    tomato peeled and seeded tomatoes (hand crushed) or jar pasta sauce
    6
  • large onion, diced
    large onion, diced
    1/2
  • ground meat (beef, bison, or pork)
    ground meat (beef, bison, or pork)
    12oz
  • tomato paste
    tomato paste
    2tbsp
  • red wine
    red wine
    1/2cup
  • oil
    oil
    1tbsp
  • thyme
    thyme
    1tsp
  • oregano
    oregano
    1tsp
  • basil
    basil
    1tsp

Arancini

  • leftover risotto
    leftover risotto
    1bundle
  • scoop #30 ice cream scoop
    scoop #30 ice cream scoop
    1
  • flour
    flour
    1cup
  • eggs beaten
    eggs beaten
    2
  • Panko breadcrumbs
    Panko breadcrumbs
    1cup
  • Oil for frying
    Oil for frying

How to make Ragu with Arancini

Ragu

  1. Step 1

    If using fresh tomatoes, score an 'X' at the bottom of each tomato and drop them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes or until the skin begins to peel back.

  2. Step 2

    Remove from boiling water and immediately place in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Peel, remove the seeds, then hand crush. Set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Sauté onions in oil until translucent, then add in ground meat and brown completely.

  4. Step 4

    Add in tomato paste, mix well, and cook out the raw tomato flavor for 3-5 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Deglaze with red wine and let it cook until almost dry, then add in your crushed tomatoes.

  6. Step 6

    Bring to a boil, then simmer on low. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Adjust flavors at the end of cooking.

Arancini

  1. Step 1

    Use any leftover risotto and scoop using a #30 ice cream scoop.

  2. Step 2

    Bread them using flour, beaten eggs, and Panko breadcrumbs.

  3. Step 3

    Fry in 325°F oil until golden brown or until the center reaches 165°F.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

656.4kcal (32.82%)

Protein

33.4g (66.74%)

Carbs

40.4g (14.68%)

Sugars

6.7g (13.44%)

Healthy Fat

18.3g

Unhealthy Fat

14.9g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying the arancini to achieve a crispy exterior.

  2. Adjust the seasoning of the ragu at the end of cooking to suit your taste.

FAQS

  1. Can I use canned tomatoes for the ragu?

    Yes, you can use canned tomatoes or jar pasta sauce as a substitute for fresh tomatoes.

  2. What type of ground meat is best for this ragu?

    You can use beef, bison, or pork, depending on your preference.

  3. How do I know when the arancini are done frying?

    The arancini are done when they are golden brown and the center reaches 165°F.

  4. Can I make the ragu ahead of time?

    Yes, the ragu can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  5. What can I serve with this dish?

    This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

c
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Brandon Griffin

(@cajuninthekitchen)

Oakland, Ca 📍 Chef Made in Louisiana ⚜️🐊

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North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
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