Ragu Pasta Sauce -- It's RaGooood! (Review and Giveaway)



This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Ragu. Keep reading to find out how to win a $100 Visa Card!
My family loves tomatoes, and there's nothing like a simple, fresh red sauce on pasta al dente. But I don't always have the time or energy to make it all from scratch. So one pantry staple I cannot live without is jarred pasta sauce. I recently participated in a BlogHer review of Ragu pasta sauces, and I have to say it's great to know that I don't have to sacrifice convenience to feed my family well. According to their website, half a cup of Ragu's red sauces contain a full serving of vegetables. And unlike many jarred foods, these sauces have no additives or preservatives. All those delicious, healthy tomatoes already peeled, seeded, sauteed and simmered for you -- what's not to love? The Basics We were sent several varieties of Ragu pasta sauce -- Ragu Old World Style Sweet Tomato Basil, Ragu Old World Style Margherita, Ragu Alfredo, and Ragu Pizza Sauce-- and invited to try some of the recipes on Ragu.com. The Bongga The combination of nutrition, taste, cost and convenience makes Ragu sauces hard to beat. When I'm out of time/inspiration/money, I just pour them on hot pasta, and they taste great all by themselves. They also make a great base sauce for more labor-intensive recipes! And speaking of recipes, I definitely recommend the ones we tried from Ragu.com. Here are three recipes that we really enjoyed:
Upside Down Deep Dish Pizza When I opened the oven and the kids saw this dish, they howled in disappointment. This is NOT pizza, it's a yucky casserole! But I'm not called Mom for nothing -- our rule is that everyone has to try everything once. I know what they like, and I was right. I am not gracious in victory: I thoroughly enjoy telling my kids, "I told you so". Even if I hadn't forced them to admit how yummy it was, I could tell they loved it by the way they were wolfing it down. When I confessed that there was spinach mixed in with the beef, they merely shrugged and kept on eating. The spinach really does go well with the ground beef and Ragu sauce (I did add a bit more cheese than the recipe called for, but the taste of beef and spinach still came out loud and clear). And the next day, we all fought over the leftovers. This is definitely a keeper!
Pasta Margherita This must be one of the highest ROI -- return on investment -- recipes ever. In plain English, I get a delicious pasta dish that my kids will devour for practically zero effort! This is pretty much our We-just-got-home-from-soccer-practice-and-Good-Grief-is-that-the-time-I-need-to-make-dinner! staple. It is beyond easy to prepare . No penne pasta in the cupboard? No problem. We substituted cheese tortellini. Kids hate pepperoni? Use sausages instead! The one must-have, in my opinion, is the basil. Forget the "optional" note in the recipe -- this is what really makes the dish. You only need a few leaves to enhance the basil that's already in the Ragu Margherita sauce. And if you use fresh basil leaves, fresh mozarella and high-quality pepperoni, I swear the result is as good as any you get from your local pasta joint. Double opped Mushroom Pizza This is another high-ROI recipe, especially since you don't make the pizza dough yourself (Although you could if you really wanted to. As for me, I consider yeast a live animal and don't particularly want to work with it, so I was happy to use a prebaked crust). This is another time-crunch standby in our household. Olives are Jammy's favorite vegetable, and we all love mushrooms, so this recipe is right up our alley . But I've never used green onions to top a homemade pizza before, and I have to say they were a surprisingly delicious touch! And I'm proud to say that none of my kids felt it necessary to pick out ANY of the toppings before they shoved the pizza into their mouths. You can find all three recipes online at Ragu.com. And be sure to visit Ragu.com for even more kid-friendly recipes, healthy tips and more. The Blah This is one of those rare reviews where I have nothing to write in the Blah section. Unless.... hmmmm..... it sucks that I ate way more than I should have? The Bottom Line Ragu pasta sauce -- delicious, nutritious, budget-friendly and oh-so-easy! Like I need any more reasons to make it a pantry staple in our household? Win it! One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will be selected to win a $100 Visa gift card! To enter, head on over to the Ragu recipe page and select the recipe that you'd most love to try. Leave me a comment below and tell me which recipe you chose. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct. For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry): 1) Grab my button -- it's on the left hand sidebar, or click here to get it -- and post it on your blog! (leave a comment here with a link to your site). 2) Blog about this giveaway and link to this giveaway on your blog post (leave a comment with a link to your blog post). 3) Tweet this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your tweet). Here is a sample tweet you can copy and paste: Win a $100 Visa giftcard from @bonggafinds and Ragu http://tinyurl.com/yc7xp3x The Rules: * The contest will begin at 10/1/2009 and will end 11/11/2009. * No duplicate comments. Maximum of 4 entries per person. * This giveaway is open to US-residents, aged 18 and over. * Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail. * You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. Don't forget to check out the rest of the BlogHer Reviewers' Ragu meals - you have 10 chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. Good luck!  I received a product sample and monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

722 comments, leave yours here:

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Anonymous said...

Tweet! Tweet!

http://twitter.com/harleydreams/status/5618465853

joni chadwell said...

Pizza ..any way shape of form works at our house...I'd try the
upside down deep dish pizza recipe

wendy wallach on November 11, 2009 at 5:42 AM said...

CHICKEN MARGHERITA is the recipe I would most like to try.

madamerkf at aol dot com

susansmoaks on November 11, 2009 at 5:44 AM said...

i would like to try the
*
UPSIDE-DOWN DEEP DISH PIZZA

susansmoaks on November 11, 2009 at 5:46 AM said...

http://twitter.com/mrstls/status/5618763066

jennem on November 11, 2009 at 6:15 AM said...

I'd like to try the VEGGIE NO BOILING LASAGNA
Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com

EclecticZebra on November 11, 2009 at 6:16 AM said...

Cheddar and Broccoli Casserole, looks like something that would please everyone in this household!!
no19034770 AT YAHOO DOT COM

Sheila Hickmon on November 11, 2009 at 6:16 AM said...

I'd like to try the Chicken Margherita! Thanks!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com

Sheila Hickmon on November 11, 2009 at 6:17 AM said...

I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/mom2anutball/status/5619468133

hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com

lawinthemiddleofnowhere on November 11, 2009 at 6:21 AM said...

I would like to make the veggie pizza cupcakes from the ragu website!

Leslie on November 11, 2009 at 6:24 AM said...

I'd love to try the upside down deep Dish pizza.

Terri L said...

the pepperoni calzone sounds yummy!

tlannan30[at]yahoo[dot]com

tlcfromtn on November 11, 2009 at 6:36 AM said...

1-2-3 CHEDDAR BROCCOLI CASSEROLE sounds good.

braaisjo at gmail dot com

tlcfromtn on November 11, 2009 at 6:38 AM said...

tweeted

http://twitter.com/tlcfromtn/status/5619937282

susan1215 on November 11, 2009 at 6:46 AM said...

Chicken Chili sounds yummy

Unknown on November 11, 2009 at 7:00 AM said...

MY kids would love the Upside down Pizza. Thanks for the chance.
jesskaufman at hotmail dot com

Unknown on November 11, 2009 at 7:01 AM said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/MACMOMof3/status/5620501009
jesskaufman at hotmail dot com

ladyvon5845 on November 11, 2009 at 7:01 AM said...

I'd like to try the Weeknight Skillet Lasagne.

Unknown on November 11, 2009 at 7:03 AM said...

I have your button

http://macmomof3.blogspot.com
jesskaufman at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I would like to make the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Toss. Sounds great.

ladylourdes1@aol.com

Cheer Mom on November 11, 2009 at 7:04 AM said...

I would try the CHicken Margherita.

fcscheermom(at)aol(dot)com

Donna M. Clark on November 11, 2009 at 7:05 AM said...

I would love to try the
VEGGIE PIZZA CUPCAKES. It sounds yummy! Thank you for having this giveaway.
litefoot873 (@) hotmail.com

Donna M. Clark on November 11, 2009 at 7:07 AM said...

I tweeted-http://twitter.com/litefoot873/status/5620626763
litefoot873 (@) hotmail.com

Our 5 Bunch on November 11, 2009 at 7:07 AM said...

Mama's best ever spaghetti and meatballs would be yummy to make. That's one dish my children always eat.

our5bunch@aol.com

Couture Lady on November 11, 2009 at 7:11 AM said...

I would make the Chicken Margherita.
fly18grl21(at)aol(dot)com

Couture Lady on November 11, 2009 at 7:12 AM said...

You can find your button on my site: http:nyugrad.blogspot.com
fly18grl21(at)aol(dot)com

Couture Lady on November 11, 2009 at 7:12 AM said...

Blogged http://nyugrad.blogspot.com/2009/11/win-100-gift-car-from-bonggamom-finds.html
fly18grl21(at)aol(dot)com

Mtlgrl4evr on November 11, 2009 at 7:17 AM said...

The HEARTY BAKED RIGATONI looks yummy!

Mtlgrl4evr on November 11, 2009 at 7:18 AM said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/Mtlgrl4evr/status/5620914927

AICORP on November 11, 2009 at 7:18 AM said...

The best way to judge a sauce is on something simple so I'd try Mama's Best Ever Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe.

yadgirl on November 11, 2009 at 7:25 AM said...

I'd like to try the CHICKEN MARGHERITA.

yadgirl on November 11, 2009 at 7:27 AM said...

tweet http://twitter.com/yadgirl/status/5621147879

seaside44 on November 11, 2009 at 7:37 AM said...

MY family would love the upside down deep dish pizza!

Kelly on November 11, 2009 at 7:50 AM said...

Chicken Margherita

timkelly@tds.net

Deb Anderson on November 11, 2009 at 8:00 AM said...

Chicken Chili sounds good!

Deb Anderson on November 11, 2009 at 8:01 AM said...

your button is here
http://tnshadylady.blogspot.com/2009/11/bonggamom-finds.html

Deb Anderson on November 11, 2009 at 8:02 AM said...

blog link here
http://tnshadylady.blogspot.com/2009/11/bonggamom-finds-ragu-pasta-sauce-it.html

Deb Anderson on November 11, 2009 at 8:02 AM said...

tweet here
http://twitter.com/tnshadylady/status/5622060835

George Ferris said...

Chicken Chili sounds good to me.
george ferris
littlegeorgie56@yahoo.com

dvice12 on November 11, 2009 at 8:27 AM said...

I'd like to try the 1-2-3 CHEDDAR BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

Tammy on November 11, 2009 at 8:28 AM said...

BAKED CHICKEN FINGERS - We live off Ragu sauce - we buy it in bulk at Sam's everytime we go.

I just used it yesterday to make easy chicken parmesan - chicken fingers, ragu sauce and then sprinkle mozza cheese on top - YUMMY!

Tammy on November 11, 2009 at 8:28 AM said...

tweet 11/11

http://twitter.com/threedifferent/status/5622731265

dvice12 on November 11, 2009 at 8:28 AM said...

Here's my tweet - http://twitter.com/dvice1/status/5622731119

Unknown on November 11, 2009 at 8:30 AM said...

I chose the Hearty baked Rigatoni recipe. garrettsambo@aol.com

Qwill on November 11, 2009 at 8:45 AM said...

I would try the 123 Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

giggling kids on November 11, 2009 at 9:18 AM said...

I would love to try the 1-2-3 CHEDDAR BROCCOLI CASSEROLE!

heatherstamper09@aol.com

giggling kids on November 11, 2009 at 9:22 AM said...

I have your button. http://www.gigglingkids.blogspot.com

heatherstamper09@aol.com

giggling kids on November 11, 2009 at 9:27 AM said...

I tweeted this giveaway. http://twitter.com/Gigglingkids

Marina on November 11, 2009 at 9:29 AM said...

I would love to try the SKILLET CHICKEN CACCIATORE! ~ :) Thanks!

demmi on November 11, 2009 at 9:34 AM said...

Chicken chilli
con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Pizza Primavera sounds yumsters!

mzpaw@yahoo.com

LindsayC on November 11, 2009 at 10:02 AM said...

I'd love to try the upside down deep dish pizza recipe.

LindsayC on November 11, 2009 at 10:03 AM said...

I blogged http://colitascorner.blogspot.com/2009/11/ragu-giveaway.html

LindsayC on November 11, 2009 at 10:04 AM said...

Tweet http://twitter.com/Lstixrud/status/5625090439

Anonymous said...

I'd like the hearty baked rigatoni

efricke01 (at) yahoo (dot) com

bigfatqueenofeverything on November 11, 2009 at 10:08 AM said...

I loved baked pasta. I would love to try HEARTY BAKED RIGATONI.

What to do now........ on November 11, 2009 at 10:23 AM said...

I would try the Chicken Margherita. I LOVE chicke so Im sure this would make it better :)

Meet the Browns on November 11, 2009 at 10:33 AM said...

The Veggie Pizza Cupcakes look very delicious :)

Katie
showbizkp[at]gmail[dot]com

Cindy on November 11, 2009 at 10:59 AM said...

Chicken Margherita would be what I would like to try!

Unknown on November 11, 2009 at 11:33 AM said...

I would love to try CHICKEN MARGHERITA

Unknown on November 11, 2009 at 11:35 AM said...

I twitted
http://twitter.com/sbmorales/status/5627179731

Jessica G. said...

The Veggie Pizza Cupcakes (featured today) are adorable and I am sure my 4 y/o would have no problem "helping" me make them and of course, eating them!!

Thanks for the chance:)
greimanj (at) comcast (dot) net

NncySF on November 11, 2009 at 12:01 PM said...

margherita looks really good

Crystal F on November 11, 2009 at 12:16 PM said...

The CHICKEN MARGHERITA looks delicious. Thank you!!

masonsgranny59 on November 11, 2009 at 12:21 PM said...

The 1-2-3 CHEDDAR BROCCOLI CASSEROLe sounds yummy:)

Donna on November 11, 2009 at 12:23 PM said...

I would like to try the like to try the upside down deep dish pizza recipe.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces on November 11, 2009 at 12:32 PM said...

I would like to try the Mama's Best Ever Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe.

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces on November 11, 2009 at 12:35 PM said...

http://kngmckellar-glorias.blogspot.com/2009/11/httpwwwbloggercompost_11.html

blogged
kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces on November 11, 2009 at 12:36 PM said...

http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/5628601134

tweeted
kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Jennifer on November 11, 2009 at 12:51 PM said...

I would love to try the CHICKEN MARGHERITA.

mattandjen[at]gmail.com

Brandi on November 11, 2009 at 1:11 PM said...

I'd like to try the Braised Spinach and Polenta.

Little Miss Olivia on November 11, 2009 at 2:01 PM said...

I am having a Holiday party and totally making the VEGGIE PIZZA CUPCAKES! They are cute and look delicious! Mmmmm

jensblog18@gmail.com

SolDucky on November 11, 2009 at 2:32 PM said...

Their recipes look really good, especially the 1-2-3 CHEDDAR BROCCOLI CASSEROLE!

soluckyducky at gmail dot com

SolDucky on November 11, 2009 at 2:33 PM said...

http://twitter.com/soluckyducky/status/5631512170

dispatcher_kristy on November 11, 2009 at 2:34 PM said...

I would love to try a lot of the recipes (and probably will now that I know they are there). The first one I would try would be the upside-down deep dish pizza

dispatcher_kristy@hotmail.com

SolDucky on November 11, 2009 at 2:36 PM said...

http://duckyandbunny.blogspot.com/2009/11/another-giveaway.html

orchidfae on November 11, 2009 at 2:54 PM said...

Braised Spinach and Polenta

moonstonepagan at yahoo dot com

js22 on November 11, 2009 at 3:01 PM said...

1-2-3 CHEDDAR BROCCOLI CASSEROLE sounds delicious!

Thanks for the giveaway!
email in blogger profile.

js22 on November 11, 2009 at 3:02 PM said...

twteet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/5632206427

email in blogger profile.

Anonymous said...

The chicken chilli sounds wonderful.
diane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com

iggysaysno on November 11, 2009 at 3:27 PM said...

I'd like to try the CHEESY CALZONES

Roxann on November 11, 2009 at 3:27 PM said...

I would love to try the Hearty Baked Rigatoni.

Jayfr on November 11, 2009 at 3:28 PM said...

VEGGIE PIZZA CUPCAKES sounds quite interesting and healthy.

Francine Anchondo on November 11, 2009 at 3:29 PM said...

I want to try the Chessy Calzones.

fmd518(at)gmail(dot)com

momofteens on November 11, 2009 at 3:29 PM said...

The chicken margherita looks yummy.

Roxann on November 11, 2009 at 3:48 PM said...

Tweet!

http://twitter.com/ladyt64/status/5633490234

Gina on November 11, 2009 at 4:11 PM said...

I'd love to try the CHICKEN MARGHERITA

Gina on November 11, 2009 at 4:12 PM said...

Tweet http://twitter.com/wrestlingaddict/status/5634177649

Tammie said...

I would actually like to try a combination of the hearty baked rigatoni recipe with the cheddar broccoli casserole! ;)

mcj4tlj(at)comcast(dot)net

Sara on November 11, 2009 at 4:39 PM said...

i'd like to try the mama's best ever spaghetti & meatballs.

candyskysaviorgirl@yahoo.com

Brian E. on November 11, 2009 at 4:56 PM said...

Thanks for the giveaway...We tried the HEARTY BAKED RIGATONI, very kid friendly !

senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

Brian E. on November 11, 2009 at 4:57 PM said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/brianpiero/status/5635369001

senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

Rufus Titterness on November 11, 2009 at 5:06 PM said...

We always use this sauce on our pasta even though we are Italian

Charlene Kuser on November 11, 2009 at 5:44 PM said...

I would love to try the UPSIDE-DOWN DEEP DISH PIZZA.It sounds easy and
delicious

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

Charlene Kuser on November 11, 2009 at 5:47 PM said...

Tweet:Swtlilchick
http://twitter.com/Swtlilchick/status/5636688815

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

Unknown on November 11, 2009 at 5:49 PM said...

i would like to try to upside down deep dish pizza recipe. is this the one they had a blogher?

melanie(dot)myatt(at)gmail(dot)com

phyllisg on November 11, 2009 at 5:53 PM said...

Upside-down deep dish pizza is a way to play with my grandkids minds. It's a good way to get them to eat broccoli or spinach since they can't readily identify it.

rb109972 on November 11, 2009 at 6:06 PM said...

The 3 Cheese Stromboli

Melissa Angert {All Things Chic} on November 11, 2009 at 6:06 PM said...

i'm trying the Chicken Margherita. YUM!!

Sand on November 11, 2009 at 6:41 PM said...

I would love to try the CHICKEN FAJITA GRILLED PIZZAS.

Hotsnotty2 on November 11, 2009 at 6:44 PM said...

Yummy! I'd love to try to make the HEARTY BAKED RIGATONI, thanks for the chance!

Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com

arla on November 11, 2009 at 6:51 PM said...

CHICKEN FRA DIAVOLO
lighthousee27(at)gmail.com

arla on November 11, 2009 at 6:52 PM said...

tweet, http://twitter.com/litehouse27/status/5638392085

GoneGirl on November 11, 2009 at 7:08 PM said...

I would like to try the veggie pizza cupcakes...only I would add the meat! They look really cool!

GoneGirl on November 11, 2009 at 7:09 PM said...

Tweeted!

http://twitter.com/bucbratt/status/5638814183

theolotto on November 11, 2009 at 7:16 PM said...

I like the spaghetti and meatballs.

Anonymous said...

UPSIDE-DOWN DEEP DISH PIZZA! oh yeah! kaytewatts AT aol DOT com

ZESTYWONDERLAND on November 11, 2009 at 8:25 PM said...

We love pizza here so I would most love to try the UPSIDE-DOWN DEEP DISH PIZZA recipe!

zestywonderland@gmail.com

ZESTYWONDERLAND on November 11, 2009 at 8:27 PM said...

Follow on twitter & tweeted!

http://twitter.com/ZESTYWONDERLAND/status/5640642436
zestywonderland@gmail.com

/\Heather/\ on November 11, 2009 at 8:28 PM said...

Very cool search engine! I found the BUFFALO BLUE CHEESE CHICKEN PIZZA by searching for pizza and chicken. Yum!

/\Heather/\ on November 11, 2009 at 8:29 PM said...

Tweeted - http://twitter.com/choochoo428/status/5640638882

Anonymous said...

I would like to try the upside down deep dish pizza.
jcristig@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would like to try the upside down deep dish pizza.
jcristig@hotmail.com

Noggy on November 11, 2009 at 9:39 PM said...

I would love to try the UPSIDE-DOWN DEEP DISH PIZZA...but with cauliflower instead of broccoli or spinach. My son loves cauliflower like crazy and this is such a quick and easy dish to put together we could have it whenever I'm running against the clock at dinnertime.


noggysnotes[at]yahoo[dot]com

Betty C on November 11, 2009 at 11:12 PM said...

I would love to try the CHICKEN MARGHERITA.

Betty C on November 11, 2009 at 11:19 PM said...

Blogged
http://beascreations.blogspot.com/2009/11/hurry-to-enter-and-win-100-visa-card.html

Betty C on November 11, 2009 at 11:21 PM said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/willitara/status/5643613235

lilyk on November 11, 2009 at 11:25 PM said...

I love the Chicken Chili recipe!

lilyk@mail2world.com

KN on November 12, 2009 at 11:13 PM said...

The Upside Down Deep Dish Pizza sounds hot!

bonggamom on November 13, 2009 at 9:35 AM said...

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who entered, and congratulations to the winner: #367, Dierdra!

bonggamom on November 19, 2009 at 3:11 PM said...

Unfortunately the first winner I picked did not respond within the 48 hour timeframe, so the alternate winner is judybrittle!

Bartenders License Online on January 17, 2012 at 1:05 AM said...

I'm definitely craving for a plate of that right now. This is definitely a must do recipe this weekend since I got my Food Handler Certification.

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