Bolognese Recipe
This Bolognese Recipe is my go-to comfort food, a soul-warming Italian classic that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, deeply flavored sauce. With every bite, you’ll taste layers of slow-cooked tomatoes, tender ground meat, fragrant vegetables, and just a whisper of nutmeg. It’s my kitchen’s love letter to anyone craving a hearty, homemade meal. Whether ladled over silky tagliatelle or tucked into a lasagna, this Bolognese Recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bolognese Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special: from savory depth to irresistible aroma, creating a symphony of flavors that slow-cook together into pure comfort.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Sautéing vegetables in olive oil builds a savory foundation for your sauce.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Adds natural sweetness and body to the base.
- Carrot, finely chopped (1, peeled): Delivers gentle sweetness and color that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- Celery stalk, finely chopped (1): Gives depth of flavor and classic Italian flair.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses every layer of the sauce with savory aroma.
- Ground beef (1 pound, or mix of beef and pork): The heart of the sauce, offering richness and a meaty base.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and mellows the acidity of tomatoes—don’t skip it!
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Lifts and deepens flavors with subtle acidity.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): Provides body, color, and the unmistakable Italian tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the savory tomato notes in the sauce.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses the bolognese with a warm, earthy aroma.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): The secret ingredient for a subtle, authentic touch.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses the sauce with deep herbal notes as it simmers.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and herbal brightness.
- Cooked pasta for serving (such as tagliatelle or spaghetti): The perfect vehicle to soak up every drop of sauce.
- Grated Parmesan for serving: A shower of nutty, salty cheese on top makes it irresistible.
How to Make Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, then let them gently sweat for 6 to 8 minutes. The goal here isn’t just softening the veggies, but drawing out their sweetness which will form the flavor backbone of this Bolognese Recipe. When the kitchen starts smelling like pure coziness, you’re on the right track.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Brown the Meat
Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook briefly—just long enough for its aroma to bloom but not brown. Next, add your ground beef (or combination of beef and pork if you like more complexity). Break up the meat as it cooks, letting it brown until no really pink bits remain. This step is key to unlocking those delicious caramelized flavors that you’ll taste in every bite of your Bolognese Recipe.
Step 3: Simmer with Milk and Wine
Once the meat is browned, pour in the whole milk. You might think it’s an odd addition, but trust me—the milk makes the sauce silky and dreamy. Let it simmer until mostly absorbed, about five minutes, then add the dry white wine to further deepen the flavor. Allow the wine to cook away, which will mellow the sharp edges and bring balance to the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce and Simmer Low and Slow
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot. Now, the magic happens: let the sauce bubble away for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering melds all the flavors together, transforming your Bolognese Recipe into a pot of delicious richness. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your sauce generously over freshly cooked pasta—wide noodles like tagliatelle or pappardelle are traditional favorites that hold onto every bit of sauce. Top with a snowstorm of grated Parmesan and, if you like, a scattering of fresh basil or parsley. Every forkful is hearty, comforting, and packed with Italian flavor.
How to Serve Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
This is your chance to make each plate extra special! A generous grating of Parmesan cheese brings salty richness, while fresh basil or parsley scattered on top offers a pop of color and a hit of herbal freshness. If you like subtle indulgence, finish with a swirl of good olive oil.
Side Dishes
Bolognese Recipe shines alongside a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette or classic garlic bread for soaking up any leftover sauce. A glass of dry red wine elevates the meal to a true trattoria experience right in your own home.
Creative Ways to Present
You can ladle this sauce over baked polenta, tuck it between layers of lasagna, or even spoon it onto toasted bread for a rustic starter. Tiny ramekins topped with mozzarella make delectable appetizers. Bolognese Recipe is as versatile as your taste buds and imagination allow!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bolognese Recipe is practically a gift for your future self. Once the sauce cools, transfer it to a lidded container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors will only deepen, so your next meal may taste even better.
Freezing
This sauce freezes like a dream! Spoon cooled Bolognese Recipe into airtight containers or heavy freezer bags, leaving an inch for expansion. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Gently reheat Bolognese Recipe on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems a bit thick, just add a splash of milk or water to loosen it. For microwave reheating, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between rounds until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While classic Bolognese Recipe is traditionally made with beef or a beef-pork blend, ground turkey or chicken will yield a lighter version that’s still full of flavor. Just remember that poultry is leaner, so an extra drizzle of olive oil or a splash of cream at the end will add back some richness.
How can I make this sauce gluten-free?
The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so just be sure to serve it with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Polenta or spiralized vegetables are also delicious alternatives for those avoiding gluten.
What pasta shape is best with Bolognese Recipe?
Wide egg noodles like tagliatelle or pappardelle are traditional because their broad shape holds the chunky sauce beautifully. That said, this Bolognese Recipe is great on spaghetti, rigatoni, or even spooned over gnocchi—use whatever pasta makes you happy!
Can I make Bolognese Recipe in a slow cooker?
You can! After sautéing the aromatics and browning the meat on the stovetop, simply transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 hours. The gentle heat makes for a deeply flavorful, hands-off dinner.
Is it necessary to simmer the sauce for 2 hours?
For the richest flavor, a long slow simmer is ideal, but in a pinch, you can enjoy the sauce after just 45 minutes. The extra time allows all the flavors to meld and intensify, taking your Bolognese Recipe from good to unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe every home cook deserves to master an incredible Bolognese Recipe, and this one couldn’t be easier or more rewarding. Give it a try and watch as your kitchen fills with the comforting aromas of Italy—your friends and family will be lining up for seconds!
Print
Bolognese Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a classic Bolognese sauce that is rich, flavorful, and perfect for topping your favorite pasta. This traditional Italian meat sauce is simmered to perfection, creating a hearty dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or beef and pork mix
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cooked pasta for serving (such as tagliatelle or spaghetti)
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, carrot, and celery, sauté until softened, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook meat: Add ground meat, cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon.
- Add liquids: Stir in milk, simmer until mostly absorbed. Add wine and cook for 5 minutes.
- Simmer sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer: Cover partially and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Serve: Remove bay leaf, serve over cooked pasta, and top with Parmesan and herbs.
Notes
- Bolognese tastes even better the next day and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a richer sauce, finish with a splash of cream or butter before serving.
- Traditional Bolognese is best served with wide noodles like tagliatelle or pappardelle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
