Ragù vs. bolognese: What sets these pasta sauces apart?

Ragù vs. bolognese is an age-old debate for anyone looking to serve something delicious for a party or just a regular weeknight dinner. Who could blame them when even the experts agree that tomato-based pasta sauces rich in lycopene have hearty and healthy effects on the body?

So, aside from being delicious and nutritious, is there a better sauce for pasta? In this guide, we’ll be going over the differences between these two Italian sauces, which is more cost-effective, and what would be better if you’re in a pinch!

What is ragù? 

A warm hug in a bowl: tender ragu, fluffy gnocchi, and perfectly cooked veggies. (Source: iStock)

Ragù is an umbrella term for a type of tomato-based sauce from Italy used by professional chefs around the globe. These sauces are often made with chunks of beef or pork, onions, celery, carrots, and wine, then slow-cooked for a few hours until the meat is fork-tender. The result is a delicious and nutritious sauce perfect for different kinds of pasta or as a base for stews and soups.

What is bolognese? 

Delicious spaghetti bolognese served with a rich meat sauce, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. (Source: iStock)

A bolognese sauce is a type of ragù from Bologna, Italy. It’s primarily made with ground meat and tomatoes, onions, celery, carrots, white wine, and, sometimes, cream or milk. The sauce is gently simmered for a long time until it thickens. It is often served over pasta as a sauce but versatile enough to be used for other dishes.

Ragù vs. bolognese sauce: How do these pasta sauces differ?

Whether you’re factoring in costs for your personal chef or just want to learn more about the differences between bolognese and ragù, read on and discover more about the two Italian sauces you’ll typically find from the best Italian takeaways.

In terms of primary ingredients

Raw beef cuts, spices, and oil – the start of a perfect ragu or bolognese. (Source: iStock)

Both ragù and bolognese use carrots, celery, and onions as their base ingredients, which are common ingredients available from local groceries. However, most ragùs, such as Neapolitan ragùs, use red wine. Most ragùs also incorporate larger chunks of meat, such as pork shoulder, beef rump, or lamb necks.

Bolognese, on the other side,  uses white wine instead of red wine as its base. In terms of meat, it uses minced pork or beef. As already mentioned, bolognese may also incorporate milk or cream when being made.

In terms of flavor profile

Ragùs have a deep and rich flavor profile thanks to the combination of red wine and large chunks of meat. The slow-cooking method allows the sauce to have a fuller and more developed flavor as the onions, carrots, and celery melt into it, complementing the texture of the meat.

Bolognese also incorporates a rich flavor profile but comes out relatively smoother and creamier versus ragùs. Compared to the chunky nature of ragùs due to its meat, bolognese comes out more consistently.

In terms of pasta pairings

Spaghetti cooking to perfection – ready for ragu or bolognese magic. (Source: iStock)

Ragù is often paired with tagliatelle or pappardelle, two types of wide and flat pasta that allow the sauce to cling to it. Bolognese can also be paired with the two mentioned kinds of pasta, but since it's incredibly versatile, it also works well with the likes of spaghetti or linguine. Others also use bolognese as the base for their lasagne or as an accompaniment to their ravioli and tortellini dishes.

In terms of the cooking method

Bolognese and ragù are prepared by slow cooking, but ultimately, bolognese sauces can cook faster. 

Both sauces start by having their meat browned in the pot using oil, followed by sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery. Wine is then added to the pot and simmered to let the alcohol evaporate. Afterwards, broth is added and brought to a boil. Once boiling, the heat is lowered so the mixture can slowly simmer in the oven or on the hob for a few hours. 

Bolognese uses minced meat instead of tougher or larger cuts, so its overall cooking time is faster. Bolognese can be a viable option for those who need a pasta sauce in a pinch. Ragù, with its larger and tougher meats, can take significantly longer to cook.

In terms of serving style

Beautifully plated ragu with ricotta and fresh parsley garnish. (Source: iStock)

Ragù is often served as a hearty dish with one or two large chunks of meat ladled with sauce sitting atop a serving of pasta and then garnished with parsley or basil. It is the belle of the ball with the pasta serving as the accompaniment.

In comparison, bolognese walks hand in hand with the pasta it is served with. While a bolognese sauce is delicious by itself, the pasta it comes with will help determine the additional texture and nature of every bite.

Both dishes are delicious in their respective serving styles. However, it will depend on your preference which of the two will be perfect for your planned meal or event.

In terms of price

Out of the gate, bolognese will be cheaper between the two sauces. Two pounds of good-quality minced beef will average around $14 to $15 and would be enough for a family of four. 

On the other hand, ragùs tend to vary in price more due to the preference of the meat used. Cheap cuts, such as lamb necks, can be used, which will even out the price with bolognese. However, any prime cut will exponentially increase the overall cost of a ragù.

A small disclaimer: prices mentioned are only brief estimates as food pricing fluctuates depending on the season, environmental factors, and overall market conditions set by your local groceries.

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