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Weekend Pasta with Slow Braised Meat Sauce

Weekend Pasta with Slow Braised Meat Sauce

By Traeger Kitchen

Have a wood-fired Italian night with this comforting pasta dish. Fresh pasta is loaded with a rich and hearty homemade meat sauce. Just like grandma used to make it, only better.

Prep Time

30 Min

Cook Time

3 Hrs

Pellets

Pecan

Ingredients

Number of People Serving

8

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Units of Measurement:
main
1/2 Pound finely minced chicken livers
1/4 Cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 Pound ground beef chuck
1 Pound ground pork shoulder
1 Pound ground lamb
As Needed kosher salt
As Needed freshly ground black pepper
4 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 Pound finely diced pancetta
1 Large onion, minced
2 Large carrots, finely chopped
4 Stalk celery, finely chopped
4 Medium cloves garlic, minced
1/4 Cup fresh minced sage leaves
1/2 Cup fresh minced parsley leaves, divided, plus more for serving
2 Cup dry white or red wine
1 Quart chicken stock
1 Can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 Cup whole milk
2 Whole Bay leaves
1 Cup heavy cream
3 Ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 Pound pasta of choice
parmesan, freshly grated
flat-leaf parsley, for serving

Step

  • 1

    When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 325℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.

    325 ˚F / 163 ˚C

  • 2

    Transfer chicken livers to a cup that just fits the head of an immersion blender and purée until smooth. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat until shimmering.

  • 3

    Add ground beef, pork and lamb. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring to break up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned.

  • 4

    Remove from heat and stir in puréed chicken livers. Heat butter and pancetta in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently until fat is rendered but butter and pancetta have not browned, about 8 minutes.

  • 5

    Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, sage and 1/4 cup parsley. Cook, stirring until vegetables are completely softened but not browned, about 8 minutes.

  • 6

    Transfer mixture to Dutch oven with meat mixture. Return Dutch oven to high heat. Cook, stirring until most of the liquid has evaporated from the pan, about 10 minutes longer. Add the wine and cook, stirring until most wine has been evaporated.

  • 7

    Add stock, tomatoes, milk and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Bring sauce to a simmer, then transfer to Traeger.

  • 8

    Cook uncovered, stirring every 30 minutes until the liquid has almost completely reduced and sauce is rich and thick, about 3 hours.

    325 ˚F / 163 ˚C

    03:00

  • 9

    Skim off most of the fat, leaving behind about 1 cup. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan and 1/4 cup parsley. Bring to a boil on the stovetop, stirring constantly to emulsify.

  • 10

    Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

  • 11

    Cook pasta by package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve a 1/2 cup of water. Return pasta to pot and add sauce to just coat the pasta as well as the 1/2 cup of reserved cooking liquid.

  • 12

    Place pot over high heat on the stove, tossing and stirring gently, until sauce is thick and pasta is coated, about 30 seconds.

  • 13

    Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and additional flat-leaf parsley.

My Notes


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