Authentic Italian Bolognese Sauce
Experience the rich, hearty flavors of this authentic Italian Bolognese sauce, inspired by classic recipes from the Olive Garden. This savory sauce combines ground beef and Italian sausage with freshly chopped vegetables and aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection in a robust red wine and tomato base. Perfect for drenching your favorite pasta or using as a filling for lasagna, this recipe will transport you straight to Italy with each delightful bite. Plus, a little culinary trick—blend the veggies for a smooth texture that even the pickiest eaters will love!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
carrot
1 (finely chopped)
celery
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
ground beef
1/2 lb (none)
Italian sausage
6 ounces (skinned)
red wine
1 cup (none)
crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (chopped)
fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon (chopped (or 1/4 tsp dry))
fresh sage
1 teaspoon (chopped (or 1/4 tsp dry))
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and skinned Italian sausage. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
4
Carefully deglaze the pan with the red wine, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes.
5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes along with chopped rosemary, sage, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
6
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process will deepen the flavors.
7
For a smoother texture, consider blending the sauce briefly with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Serve hot over freshly cooked pasta.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
7g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Italian Bolognese Sauce?
It is a rich, hearty meat-based sauce featuring ground beef, Italian sausage, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a red wine and tomato base.
What meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of 1/2 lb of ground beef and 6 ounces of skinned Italian sausage.
Can I use only ground beef for this sauce?
While the recipe calls for both, you can use only beef, though the Italian sausage adds a specific authentic depth and seasoning.
What vegetables are included in the sauce base?
The base consists of finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic cloves.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for approximately 1 hour to allow the flavors to deepen.
Is this Bolognese sauce recipe inspired by a specific restaurant?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by the classic hearty flavors found in Olive Garden's Italian dishes.
What is the purpose of adding red wine?
Red wine is used to deglaze the pan, helping to lift browned bits of meat for a more robust flavor profile.
How can I make the sauce smooth for picky eaters?
You can blend the sauce briefly with an immersion blender or a regular blender to create a smooth texture that hides the vegetable pieces.
What herbs give the sauce its authentic flavor?
The recipe uses fresh chopped rosemary and fresh chopped sage to provide its aromatic profile.
Can I use dry herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of dry herbs for every 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary or sage.
Is this sauce suitable for making lasagna?
Yes, it is perfect for using as a rich filling for lasagna or as a topping for your favorite pasta.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it provides a significant amount of protein, with 20g per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 19g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this sauce?
There are 7g of carbohydrates per serving.
Why do I need to skin the Italian sausage?
Removing the skin allows the sausage meat to be broken up and integrated smoothly into the sauce during cooking.
Can I substitute the crushed tomatoes?
Crushed tomatoes provide the ideal texture, but you could use whole peeled tomatoes and crush them by hand or in a blender.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the aromatic vegetables.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
What is the total number of ingredients required?
This recipe requires 13 distinct ingredients including the seasoning.
Can I omit the red wine?
Yes, you can omit the wine if preferred, though the final flavor will be less complex.
What is the best way to serve this sauce?
Serve the sauce hot over freshly cooked pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is a classic Italian comfort food known for its rich and savory qualities.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Pour the red wine into the pan after browning the meat and use a spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it includes 2 finely chopped garlic cloves for aromatic depth.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper should be added along with the tomatoes and herbs, adjusted to your personal taste preference.
Should the sauce be simmered covered or uncovered?
The sauce should be simmered uncovered to allow it to reduce and thicken properly.
What is the preparation for the onion, carrot, and celery?
These vegetables should be finely chopped before being added to the skillet.
Can I use an immersion blender for the whole batch?
Yes, you can use an immersion blender directly in the skillet or pot for a more uniform, smooth consistency.
How do I know when the meat is done?
Cook the meat on medium-high for about 10 minutes until it is fully browned and no pink remains.