Save This Homemade Bolognese Sauce is the perfect comforting meal, made with ground beef, pork, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomato flavor. Perfectly paired with your favorite pasta, it's a savory, satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
The first time I made this Bolognese sauce, the aroma filled the entire house and everyone couldn't wait to dig in. Now, it's a staple for Sunday dinners that my family always requests.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb
- Ground pork: 1/2 lb
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2, finely chopped
- Celery stalks: 2, finely chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz)
- Milk or cream: 1 cup
- Red wine: 1 cup
- Bay leaves: 2
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving
Instructions
- Soften vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic:
- Add garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown meat:
- Add ground beef and pork to the pot. Brown the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked (about 8-10 minutes).
- Deglaze with wine:
- Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Add tomato paste:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Combine sauce ingredients:
- Add the crushed tomatoes, milk (or cream), bay leaves, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Simmer sauce:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Finish and serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the Bolognese sauce over pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Save One evening, we gathered around the table, everyone piled their pasta high with sauce and laughed about their day. This dish always brings us together and warms our hearts.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Bolognese with your favorite pasta such as tagliatelle, rigatoni, or spaghetti for a classic dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Variations
Substitute ground turkey for beef and pork, or add chopped mushrooms for a veggie boost. Adjust herbs to your taste for a personalized touch.
Save Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Bolognese with every spoonful. Make extra to freeze for busy nights ahead.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → Can I substitute ground pork with another meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter flavor, or simply increase beef for a traditional finish.
- → What type of pasta pairs best?
Thick, wide noodles like tagliatelle or pappardelle hold the sauce well, but spaghetti is also a classic pairing.
- → Is red wine essential in this sauce?
Red wine adds depth, but it can be omitted or replaced with beef broth for an alcohol-free version.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
Add more milk or a splash of heavy cream during simmering for a richer, velvety texture.
- → Should vegetables be finely chopped?
Finely chopping onion, carrot, and celery helps them blend smoothly into the sauce, enhancing overall flavor.
- → Can leftovers be frozen?
Yes, this sauce freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to three months and thaw before reheating.