Bolognese ragù

Bolognese ragù is a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce originating from Bologna, Italy, traditionally made with a soffritto of onions, carrots, and celery, ground beef and pork, a splash of wine, and a touch of milk or cream. It is famously served with tagliatelle pasta rather than spaghetti, and its deep, complex flavor comes from hours of gentle simmering.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a good source of protein and iron from the meat, but it is also relatively high in fat, especially if made with richer cuts of pork. A typical serving of ragù with pasta can range from 500 to 700 calories, depending on the recipe and portion size.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	250 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	12 g
Fat	14 g
Fiber	2.5 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	680 mg
Iron	3.2 mg
Zinc	4.5 mg
Potassium	420 mg
Vitamin A	85 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin B12	1.8 mcg
Calcium	45 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the authentic Bolognese ragù is a point of pride in Bologna, and its preparation is a slow, almost ritualistic process that can take several hours to develop its signature depth. Nutritionally, the slow cooking helps break down the meat and vegetables, making the nutrients more easily digestible.