Step-by-step recipe for Tuscan Ragu

Tuscan Ragu

 Certainly! Here's a step-by-step recipe for Tuscan Ragu:

### Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 450g) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (about 225g) ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving

Tuscan Ragu

### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and ground pork, breaking them apart with a spoon, and brown until cooked through.

#### Step 2: Add Vegetables

1. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot.
2. Cook the vegetables until they are softened.

#### Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

1. Pour red wine into the pot, scraping the bottom to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits.

#### Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Paste

1. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.

#### Step 5: Incorporate Broth and Milk

1. Add beef broth and whole milk to the pot, stirring to combine.

#### Step 6: Season the Ragu

1. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
2. Drop in a bay leaf for added flavor.

#### Step 7: Simmer

1. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1-2 hours. The longer, the better for flavors to meld.

#### Step 8: Serve

1. Discard the bay leaf.
2. Serve the Tuscan Ragu over cooked pasta or with crusty bread.
3. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

#### Step 9: Enjoy!

This Tuscan Ragu is a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread. The slow simmering allows the flavors to develop, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. Enjoy your homemade Tuscan Ragu!