Elk Ragu

This Elk Ragu is a wild game twist on a classic pasta dish. This rich and hearty comfort food recipe is the perfect way to elevate your ground elk meat.

This recipe marries the ease of ground elk meat with the richness of a classic ragu. Slow-cooked and full of flavor, it’s the perfect choice for elevating your harvest this year. You can easily swap in ground venison, if preferred.

Ingredients needed

• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 carrot – chopped
• 1 white onion – diced
• 2 celery ribs – chopped
• 1 pound ground elk
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup red wine
• 4 cups beef stock
• 1 tsp. sea salt 
• 16 ounces tagliatelle or other broad, flat pasta
• Parmigiano Reggiano – grated
• Chopped fresh Italian parsley – optional garnishment

How to make Elk Ragu

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1. Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery; cook and stir until the onion becomes translucent. 
2. Add the ground elk; cook until browned.
3. Add the red wine and reduce by half. Once the wine has reduced by half, add the tomato sauce and half of the beef stock and a pinch of salt.
4. Stir the sauce and let it simmer on a low heat for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. About halfway through, add the remaining stock. 
5. When finished cooking, season with additional salt to taste, if needed. 
6. Serve tossed with cooked pasta and top with grated Parmigiano Reggiano and chopped fresh Italian parsley. 

Recipe FAQs and Notes

Can you add in other vegetables?

You can. Another ingredient that might taste great is mushrooms. Change it up and see what you like. This recipe is really versatile so you can make it taste a bit different each time you make it.

Can you freeze Elk Ragu?

I wouldn’t. In my opinion, this is much better when it’s fresh. Since it’s so simple to make, whip it up fresh every time you make it.

How to reheat Elk and noodles

The easiest way is to put it in the microwave on low heat. Just be certain to not overheat as it will overcook the meat and pasta.

Recommended kitchen resources for this recipe

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Enjoy these other Elk recipes

• Ground Elk Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Elk Bone Broth Ramen Bowl
• Elk Liver Pâté

Elk Ragu Recipe