Dinner for 6
Simple Beef Ragu
Ground beef and finely chopped vegetables simmer slowly with crushed tomatoes, herbs, and broth for a rich sauce.
$8.65for 4 servings
$2.16 per serving$8.65 for 4
Typical price: Salefork's estimate of an everyday US shelf price for each ingredient. Pick your city to price it from this week's ad.

Photo: themodernproper.com
- 55 minstart to table
- Mediumdifficulty
- 6servings as written
- $$typical cost tier
ItalianBudgetFamilyLunchesDinnersBack to school
What it costs
Pick your city to see which ingredients are on sale
| Ingredient | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Butter$0.40/oz typical | 1 oz | $0.40Typical price |
| Carrots$1.09/lb typical | 0.2 lb | $0.21Typical price |
| Celery$2.29 each typical | 0.25 | $0.43Typical price |
| Onions$1.29/lb typical | 0.2 lb | $0.26Typical price |
| Garlic$0.75 each typical | 0.25 | $0.22Typical price |
| Ground beef$5.49/lb typical | 1.5 lb | $8.23Typical price |
| Canned tomatoes$0.08/oz typical | 28 oz | $2.24Typical price |
| Chicken breast, boneless$3.49/lb typical | 0.15 lb | $0.54Typical price |
| Parmesan$0.55/oz typical | 0.25 oz | $0.14Typical price |
| Total for the servings shown | $12.98 | |
Pantry staples you likely have
Salt and pepperDried spices (cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano)Dried herbs, spices and seasoning blendsSugar and brown sugar
Not included in the cost.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or salted butter
- 1 large carrot
- 2 ribs celery
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken
- thin pasta noodles (optional)
- creamy polenta (optional)
- parmesan (optional)
Steps
- Heat the oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat, then cook the carrot, celery, onion, and garlic for 8 minutes.
- Add the beef and cook for 8 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and cooked to 160 F.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, and sugar.
- Cover the pot partially and simmer over low heat for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check that the thickest part of the poultry reaches 165 F before serving.
- Taste the ragu and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
Swaps
- Chicken breast, boneless for Chicken thighs, bone-in or bonelessabout $1.20/lb less at typical prices
- Ground beef for Ground turkeyabout $0.50/lb less at typical prices
- Carrots for Sweet potatoesabout $0.20/lb more at typical prices
- Onions for Red onionsabout $0.20/lb more at typical prices
Main ingredient on sale this week? See what to make with ground beef on sale.
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