How to Cook Traditional Meat-Based Italian Meals at Home

Cooking traditional meat-based Italian meals at home can transform your dining experience into an authentic Italian feast. The rich flavors and aromatic herbs used in Italian cooking bring comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Here, we’ll explore some classic Italian meat dishes, along with tips on how to prepare them perfectly.

Pasta alla Bolognese

Pasta alla Bolognese, or ragù alla Bolognese, is a hearty meat sauce that originates from Bologna. This dish combines ground beef, pork, and a medley of vegetables for a savory experience.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 500g ground beef
  • 250g ground pork
  • 1 can of crushed tomatoes (400g)
  • 150ml red wine
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil and oregano
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
  3. Increase the heat and add the ground beef and pork. Cook until browned.
  4. Pour in the red wine, allowing it to reduce for about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and herbs. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour.
  6. Serve over your favorite pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Osso Buco

Osso Buco is a renowned Milanese dish that features braised veal shanks cooked with vegetables, white wine, and broth. This tender and flavorful dish is traditionally served with risotto or polenta.

Ingredients:

  • 4 veal shanks (1-1.5 inches thick)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the shanks on all sides until browned.
  3. Remove the shanks and add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened.
  4. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Return the shanks to the skillet, add broth, and cover. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
  6. Serve garnished with lemon zest and parsley alongside risotto or polenta.

Pollo al Chianti

Pollo al Chianti is a savory Tuscan chicken dish infused with red wine and aromatic vegetables, providing a delightful depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Chianti or any good red wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 sprigs of rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil