Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe for the Ultimate Comfort Dish
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of pasta topped with rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce. This classic recipe is packed with layers of flavor from ground meat, aromatic veggies, tomatoes, and just the right touch of wine and cream. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners or whenever you’re craving a cozy Italian classic.
The first time I made Bolognese sauce, I couldn’t believe how transformative the slow cooking process was. My kitchen smelled like an Italian trattoria, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s one of those recipes that takes a little time but is absolutely worth every minute. Plus, the leftovers? Even better!
Why This Bolognese Sauce is Special
Bolognese sauce is all about depth of flavor, and this recipe nails it. By cooking the meat and veggies slowly, deglazing with wine, and letting the sauce simmer for hours, you get a rich, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or even as a lasagna filling. This isn’t your average spaghetti sauce—it’s a culinary hug in a bowl.
Your Grocery List
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup dry red or white wine
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Secrets to Perfect Bolognese
The key to an authentic Bolognese is patience. Each step builds on the last, so take your time browning the meat and letting the vegetables soften. Deglazing the pan with wine adds depth and lifts all those caramelized bits for extra flavor. And the final simmer is where the magic happens—low and slow is the name of the game.
Make It Your Own
Want to make it even richer? Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving. For a healthier twist, you can swap the ground pork for ground turkey or even add some finely chopped mushrooms for extra umami. Serve it with tagliatelle for a traditional pairing, but it’s also fantastic over spaghetti or pappardelle.
Storing and Reheating
Bolognese sauce stores beautifully! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen it up if needed.
Additional Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Nutrition Info: Approximately 320 calories per serving
Fun Fact: Did you know Bolognese sauce originated in Bologna, Italy? It’s traditionally called “ragù alla Bolognese” and was first recorded in a cookbook in the 18th century!
Pairing Tips: Serve this sauce over fresh pasta with a side of crusty bread and a crisp green salad. For dessert, finish the meal with a light tiramisu or panna cotta for a true Italian feast.
Classic Bolognese Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 1 medium carrot finely diced
- 1 stalk celery finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup dry red or white wine
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- To taste salt and pepper
- Optional fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the wine and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, milk, and oregano. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve over your favorite pasta.
Notes
