Best 2 Sicilian Meat Sauce Recipes

Sicilian meat sauce, a delectable and versatile culinary creation, is a cornerstone of Sicilian cuisine, embodying the region's rich culinary heritage. This savory sauce, often referred to as "ragù alla Siciliana," is a symphony of flavors, a harmonious blend of fresh tomatoes, succulent ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a touch of sweetness. It is a versatile sauce that can elevate various dishes, from pasta to rice, vegetables, or even meat. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of crafting Sicilian meat sauce, providing two distinct recipes that cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions. The first recipe, a classic meat sauce, showcases the traditional flavors of Sicily, while the second recipe offers a vegetarian twist, replacing ground beef with hearty mushrooms for a meatless yet equally flavorful experience.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SICILIAN MEAT SAUCE

Sicilian Meat Sauce image

People have told me this is better than the gravy their Sicilian grandmothers used to make. But don't tell the old generation that! -Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 6h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 pounds bone-in country-style pork ribs
1 medium onion, chopped
3 to 5 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed or diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, drained
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped capers, drained
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup dry red wine or additional beef broth
Hot cooked pasta
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown pork ribs in batches; transfer to a 6-qt. slow cooker., Add remaining oil to Dutch oven; saute onion for 2 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute more. Add next 11 ingredients. Pour in broth and red wine; bring to a light boil. Transfer to slow cooker. Cook, covered, until pork is tender, about 6 hours., Discard bay leaves. Remove meat from slow cooker; shred or pull apart, discarding bones. Return meat to sauce. Serve over pasta; if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts :

PRESSURE-COOKER SICILIAN MEAT SAUCE

Pressure-Cooker Sicilian Meat Sauce image

People have told me this is better than the gravy their Sicilian grandmothers used to make. But don't tell the older generation that! -Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs
1 medium onion, chopped
3 to 5 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (28 ounces each ) crushed or diced tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) Italian tomato paste
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped capers, drained
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup dry red wine or additional beef broth
Hot cooked pasta
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

Select saute setting on a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker and adjust for high heat; add 2 Tbsp. olive oil. In batches, brown the pork on all sides. Remove and set aside. , Add remaining oil to pressure cooker; saute onion for 2 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute more. Add next 11 ingredients. Transfer meat to pressure cooker. Pour in broth and red wine; bring to a light boil. Lock lid; close pressure-release valve. Adjust pressure to high and set time for 35 minutes. When finished cooking, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes and then quick-release any remaining pressure. , Discard bay leaves. Remove meat from pressure cooker; shred or pull apart, discarding bones. Return meat to sauce. Serve over pasta; if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 214 calories, Fat 11g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 822mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients, especially the meat. Grass-fed beef or pork will have a better flavor than grain-fed.
Brown the meat well before adding the other ingredients. This will help to develop the flavor.
Use a variety of vegetables in your sauce. This will add flavor and texture.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A little bit of chili powder or cinnamon can add a unique flavor to your sauce.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop.
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta. You can also use it as a topping for pizza or lasagna.

Conclusion:

Sicilian meat sauce is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its rich flavor and hearty texture, it's sure to become a favorite in your home. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!