Classic Italian Bolognese Sauce
This hearty and rich Classic Italian Bolognese Sauce is a beloved family recipe, cherished for its depth of flavor that appeals to both children and adults alike. Slow-cooked to perfection, the sauce combines fragrant sautéed vegetables and savory bacon with lean ground beef, creating a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with short pastas, especially gemelli. This sauce is sure to become a staple in your household, warming hearts and filling bellies with every bite.
N/A
Servings
633
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 (tablespoons)
olive oil
4 (tablespoons)
onion
1 (medium, finely chopped)
bacon
2 (tablespoons)
carrot
1 (medium, finely sliced)
celery
1 (stalk, finely sliced)
garlic
1 (clove, finely chopped)
lean ground beef
12 (ounces)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
red wine
2/3 (cup)
milk
1/2 (cup)
plum tomatoes
1 (14-ounce can, chopped with their juice)
bay leaf
1
thyme leaves
1/4 (teaspoon, fresh)
pasta
to serve (cooked and drained (for 6 servings))
Instructions
1
In a heavy saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the finely chopped onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3
Incorporate the bacon, cooking until the onions become translucent.
4
Next, stir in the finely sliced carrot, celery, and chopped garlic, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
5
Add the lean ground beef, using a fork to crumble and mix it with the vegetables. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer red.
6
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Pour in the red wine, increasing the heat slightly to allow the liquid to evaporate (approximately 3-4 minutes).
8
Add the milk and simmer until it evaporates, intensifying the sauce's flavor.
9
Stir in the chopped plum tomatoes with their juice, bay leaf, and fresh thyme.
10
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
11
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to maintain consistency and prevent sticking.
12
Serve the Bolognese sauce hot over your choice of cooked and drained pasta, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
37g
Fat
37g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Italian Bolognese Sauce?
It is a hearty and rich meat sauce made with sautéed vegetables, bacon, and lean ground beef, often served over pasta.
What meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 12 ounces of lean ground beef and 2 tablespoons of bacon.
How long should the Bolognese sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours to achieve the best consistency.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The sauce includes finely chopped onion, finely sliced carrot, celery, and chopped garlic.
Does this recipe use wine?
Yes, it requires 2/3 cup of red wine which is evaporated to intensify flavor.
Why is milk added to the sauce?
Milk is added and simmered until evaporated to help create a richer and more complex flavor profile.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
While it works with many types, it pairs beautifully with short pastas like gemelli.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 633 calories.
What is the protein content?
The recipe provides 30g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
The dish contains 37g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 37g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 16 ingredients used in this Bolognese sauce.
What type of tomatoes should be used?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of chopped plum tomatoes with their juice.
Is the sauce cooked covered or uncovered?
The sauce should be simmered uncovered.
At what heat should I sauté the vegetables?
The vegetables should be sautéed over medium heat.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much butter is used?
Two tablespoons of butter are used to start the sauce.
What herbs provide flavoring?
The sauce is flavored with one bay leaf and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves.
How do I prepare the beef?
Use a fork to crumble and mix the beef with the vegetables while browning.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a beloved family recipe that appeals to both children and adults.
How long do I sauté the onion?
Sauté the finely chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
When do I add the garlic?
Garlic is added along with the carrot and celery after the onions and bacon have cooked.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include bolognese, meat sauce, pasta sauce, Italian, family-friendly, comfort food, and hearty.
How much celery is required?
One stalk of celery, finely sliced, is needed.
How much carrot is required?
One medium carrot, finely sliced, is needed.
What should I do after browning the beef?
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste before adding the red wine.
How long does it take for the wine to evaporate?
It takes approximately 3-4 minutes for the red wine to evaporate after increasing the heat.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the hot pasta and sauce with fresh herbs if desired.
How much milk is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of milk.
What is the goal of slow-cooking this sauce?
Slow-cooking allows the sauce to reach a significant depth of flavor and a rich, hearty consistency.