Desire a rich, hearty sauce that converts any pasta dish into a heartening masterpiece? Bolognese Sauce is a typical Italian meat sauce known for its deep tastes and slow-cooked perfection. Whether serve with spaghetti, fettuccine, or your desired pasta, this sauce is a must-try for anyone who loves authentic Italian food.
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A Brief History of Bolognese Sauce
Making from Bologna, Italy, Bolognese Sauce (or ragù alla Bolognese) has been a main in Italian kitchens for centuries. Unlike simple tomato-based sauces, Bolognese is a slow-cooked mixture of ground meat, aromatic vegetables, wine, and milk, resulting in a thick, savory sauce. Traditionally, it is paired with wide pasta like tagliatelle or used in lasagna to create coats of rich, meaty goodness.
Test Profile: Rich, Meaty, and Velvety
- Savory Depth: Crushed beef and pork deliver an enthusiastic base.
- Aromatic Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery enhance sweetness and deepness.
- Silky Finish: Milk or cream smooths the sauce, balancing the sourness of the tomatoes.
- Herbaceous Notes: Bay leaves, thyme, or oregano improve the taste.
Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe Card
Traditional Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Prepared Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g crushed beef and pork mix
- white or red wine 1 cup (dry)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions:
- add olive oil in a large pan in a medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté and stir until smooth and silky about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until its aroma develops.
- blend in the crushed meat and cook until it becomes browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Pour in wine and let it simmer until it reduces by 50%.
- Add milk, allowing it to combination with the meat mixture.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Pair with salt and pepper.
- Set the heat to low, cover for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaf. Layer it on pasta, adding fresh parsley or basil as garnished.
Serving Suggestions:
- Traditionally pair it with tagliatelle or fettuccine.
- Add it as a filling for lasagna.
- Use it as topping with grated Parmesan cheese for extra boldness.
Yields: 6 servings
Best Dishes to Pair with Bolognese Sauce
- Tagliatelle or Fettuccine: Typically pairing for the ultimate Italian meal.
- Spaghetti: A famous desired with a rich twist.
- Lasagna: Use it for topping the sauce for a enthusiastic and satisfying lasagna.
- Zucchini Noodles: A brighter choice for a low-carb meal.
Experience the rich, comforting flavors of authentic Bolognese sauce! Try this classic recipe at home, and elevate your pasta night. Share your creations in the comments or explore more Italian recipes here.
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Discover more Italian sauce recipes and cooking tips on our sauce blog.
Bolognese Sauce: Hearty Italian Favorite
Equipment
- 1 Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
- Pour in white wine (if using) and cook until evaporated, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in milk and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Serve over your favorite pasta or use in lasagna.
Notes
- For an authentic flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork.
- Simmering for longer allows the flavors to deepen.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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