Savoring the Taste of Italy: Braised Beef Ragu with Vermeat's Ground Beef

Ciao, fellow foodies and farm-to-table enthusiasts! Are you letting your tastebuds dream of the incredible flavors and enticing aromas of an Italian countryside kitchen? This week, we're taking you on a culinary adventure through time-honored traditions with our succulent Braised Beef Ragu recipe, highlighting the exceptional quality of Vermeat's grass-fed Ground Beef. This sumptuous, slow-cooked Italian dish is perfect to serve over pasta or polenta and showcases Vermont's commitment to sustainable and nutritious fare.

For me, preparing a Braised Beef Ragu is like inviting the essence of Italy into my kitchen – the rich, rustic taste, the slow-simmered goodness, and the heavenly aromas of tomatoes, spices, and Vermeat Ground Beef melding together in a mouthwatering symphony. This delightful dish combines the heart and soul of Italian cuisine with the farm-to-table values that Vermont and Vermeat proudly represent.

With its origins dating back to the Renaissance era, ragu has evolved over the centuries, with each region of Italy adding its unique touch to this versatile sauce. Our Braised Beef Ragu recipe embraces this rich history and showcases the unparalleled taste and nutritional benefits of Vermeat's grass-fed Ground Beef for a satisfying and healthful meal.

Here's why our Braised Beef Ragu is a true delight with Vermeat's Ground Beef:

1. Nutrition: Vermeat's grass-fed Ground Beef infuses our Braised Beef Ragu with exceptional nutrients and protein, making it both delicious and nourishing.
2. Flavor: The exquisite tastes of Italian cuisine blend seamlessly with the unmatched flavor of Vermeat's sustainably raised Ground Beef, bringing your ragu to the pinnacle of deliciousness.
3. Sustainability: By using Vermeat's grass-fed Ground Beef in our Braised Beef Ragu, we not only craft a delectable dish but also demonstrate our devotion to eco-friendly farming and the farm-to-table movement.

Ready to immerse yourself in the world of Italian gastronomy with a Vermont-inspired twist? Delve into the recipe below for our irresistible Braised Beef Ragu, featuring Vermeat's grass-fed Ground Beef slow-cooked to tender, saucy perfection. Buon appetito!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Vermeat grass-fed Ground Beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tbsp organic tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp organic olive oil or butter
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

• Low-carb pasta or polenta alternative (such as zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice)

Instructions:

1. Cook the vegetables: In a large cast iron skillet or non-PTFE pot, heat the organic olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened, about 8 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef: Stir in the Vermeat Ground Beef, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Pour in the wine (optional): If you're using red wine, pour it into the skillet or pot, and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate.
4. Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Braise the ragu: Reduce the heat to low and let the ragu cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a rich, thick consistency. Feel free to add a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick during cooking.
6. Prepare your pasta or polenta alternative: While the ragu simmers, prepare your preferred low-carb pasta or polenta alternative, such as zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
7. Combine and serve: Serve the Braised Beef Ragu over your prepared low-carb pasta or polenta alternative, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Buon appetito!

Embrace the rich flavors of Italy, and enjoy the healthful, Vermont-inspired farm-to-table goodness of our Braised Beef Ragu. With Vermeat's grass-fed Ground Beef simmered to perfection, this mouthwatering recipe is a timeless culinary delight for your table. Buon appetito!