Cozy Up with Jamie Oliver’s Simple Lamb Ragu Recipe

Lamb ragu by Jamie Oliver elevates simple suppers into a gourmet celebration of flavor.

Rustic Italian traditions dance across your plate with this soul-warming dish.

Tender meat transforms into a luscious sauce that whispers tales of Mediterranean kitchens.

Aromatic herbs and slow-simmered proteins create a symphony of taste that lingers deliciously.

Every spoonful tells a story of culinary passion and generational wisdom.

Robust ingredients meld together, promising a meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

Fall in love with this extraordinary ragu that turns ordinary dinners into memorable feasts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 640 kcal

Servings: 4

Jamie Oliver Lamb Ragu Ingredient Overview

• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for rich, fruity undertones that elevate the dish's depth.
• Pancetta: Seek out freshly sliced, high-quality Italian-style cured pork for authentic flavor punch.

• Carrots, Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Select crisp, vibrant produce with no soft spots or blemishes for maximum freshness and sweetness.

• Lamb: Pick well-marbled, dark red meat from a trusted butcher for tender, succulent texture.
• Chicken Stock: Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels and enhance natural meat flavors.

• Red Wine: Select a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements lamb's rich profile.
• Tomato Juices: Use San Marzano tomatoes for authentic, sweet-tangy Mediterranean essence.
• Bay Leaf: Look for whole, intact leaves with strong aromatic qualities.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Choose freshly ground for bright, zingy heat.

• Rigatoni: Select high-quality durum wheat pasta with ridged texture for excellent sauce absorption.
• Pecorino Cheese: Pick aged, sharp variety for intense, salty flavor complement.

Cooking Equipment for Jamie Oliver Lamb Ragu

• Large Enameled Cast-Iron Dish: Perfect for even heat distribution and creating rich, deep flavors.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and meat cutting.
• Slotted Spoon: Helps transfer sautéed vegetables without excess oil.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and scraping pan bottoms while cooking.
• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta to al dente perfection.
• Colander: Drains pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate liquid and ingredient quantities.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh pecorino cheese shavings for serving.
• Serving Bowls: Allows guests to enjoy the hearty lamb ragù with rigatoni.

Step-by-Step Jamie Oliver Lamb Ragu Instructions

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a hearty cooking vessel until it dances with shimmer. Toss in chopped carrots, diced onions, and sliced red bell peppers. Let them sizzle and soften over medium heat, creating a golden foundation of deliciousness.

• Build Meaty Depth

Add pancetta to the pan, letting it crisp and release its rich essence. Introduce lamb, stirring and cooking until the meat transforms and liquid disappears, leaving behind concentrated flavor.

• Create Liquid Magic

Splash red wine into the pan, inviting all those caramelized bits to join the party. Return the vegetable medley to the pot and incorporate chicken stock, a bay leaf, crushed red pepper, and tomato juices. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

• Slow Simmer Symphony

Reduce heat and let the ragù gently bubble for about 90 minutes. The lamb will become meltingly tender, developing a complex sauce that tells a delicious story. Remove the bay leaf when done.

• Pasta Perfection

Boil salted water and cook rigatoni until it reaches that perfect al dente moment. Drain the pasta and marry it with half the ragù, creating a harmonious blend of texture and flavor.

• Serve and Celebrate

Dish out steaming bowls of pasta, accompanied by extra ragù and a generous sprinkle of pecorino cheese. Let everyone customize their culinary experience and enjoy the fruits of your cooking adventure.

Jamie Oliver Lamb Ragu Tips & Flavor Suggestions

Add personal twists to elevate this classic dish.

Replace lamb with beef, goat, or ground turkey for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.

Experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to enhance the ragù’s depth and complexity.

Prepare the ragù a day in advance to allow flavors to meld, creating an even more robust and delicious sauce.

Plating Jamie Oliver Lamb Ragu Beautifully

• Serve with Rustic Charm: Create a cozy family-style dinner by placing the steaming pasta in a large, rustic ceramic dish with the ragù attractively spooned over the top.
• Cheese and Garnish Galore: Sprinkle freshly grated pecorino cheese generously over the dish, allowing guests to add extra cheese and create their perfect bite with the rich lamb ragù.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the robust lamb ragù with a bold Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will enhance the deep, hearty flavors of the dish.
• Bread on the Side: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce, providing an extra layer of comfort and traditional Mediterranean dining experience.

Storage Details for Jamie Oliver Lamb Ragu

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the ragù recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals up to 3 months later.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked ragù in sealed containers for 4-5 days, ensuring optimal flavor and food safety by keeping refrigerator temperature consistently below 40°F.
• Pasta Preservation Tip: Keep cooked pasta and ragù separately to prevent soggy noodles, mixing only when ready to serve for maximum texture and taste.
• Reheating Refresh Technique: Warm ragù gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent sauce from drying out.

Hearty Jamie Oliver Lamb Ragu Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s lamb ragu brings hearty Italian comfort to your kitchen. Slow-cooked tender lamb melds with rich tomatoes and aromatic herbs, creating a soul-warming pasta sauce you’ll savor with genuine Mediterranean delight.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) boneless lamb shoulder, cut into ½-inch dice
• 4 oz (113 g) thickly sliced pancetta, cut into ¼-inch dice
• ¼ cup + 2 tbsps (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• ¾ cup (180 ml) dry red wine
• 1 (28-oz) can peeled Italian tomatoes, coarsely chopped, juices reserved
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
• 1 lb (454 g) rigatoni
• 2 large carrots, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Infusion: Heat olive oil in an enameled cast-iron dish, then sauté carrots, onions, and red bell peppers until softened and lightly caramelized, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate using a slotted spoon.
2. Pancetta and Lamb Searing: In the same dish, crisp pancetta over medium-high heat, then introduce lamb pieces. Cook thoroughly, stirring continuously to achieve even browning and eliminate excess moisture.
3. Flavor Development: Reincorporate the sautéed vegetables, deglaze with red wine, and scrape up any caramelized remnants from the dish’s bottom. Add chicken stock, bay leaf, crushed red pepper flakes, and tomato juices. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Slow Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and allow the ragù to simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove and discard the bay leaf once cooking is complete.
5. Pasta Integration: In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and combine with half of the prepared lamb ragù.
6. Serving Presentation: Plate the pasta in generous bowls, top with additional lamb ragù, and offer freshly grated pecorino cheese for individual garnishing.

Notes

• Meat Selection: Choose high-quality ground lamb with some fat content for rich, deep flavor and tender texture.
• Vegetable Preparation: Finely dice vegetables to ensure even cooking and smooth sauce integration.
• Wine Deglazing: Use a robust red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the ragù’s depth and complexity.
• Slow Cooking Technique: Simmer the ragù on low heat to break down meat fibers and develop intense, layered flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg