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
Scale
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
