If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that warms the soul and fills the home with irresistible aromas, this Simple Bolognese Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich and flavorful with tender bits of beef and pork simmered slowly in a tomato and wine sauce, this classic Italian meat sauce pairs beautifully with pasta for a dish that’s both satisfying and approachable. The magic lies in its simplicity — thoughtfully chosen ingredients and patient cooking create a luscious sauce that tastes like it was crafted by a seasoned chef but comes together easily in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this timeless recipe that transforms everyday pantry staples into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Simple Bolognese Recipe calls for uncomplicated ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role in building the rich character of the sauce, from the natural sweetness of fresh vegetables to the melt-in-your-mouth quality of ground meats and the depth brought by wine and herbs.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a fragrant, fruity base to sauté the vegetables and develop flavor.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a foundational aroma to the sauce.
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped: Gives a subtle natural sweetness and texture.
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped: Imparts a satisfying crunch and aromatic depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a bold, savory punch that elevates the overall taste.
- 1 pound ground beef: Offers hearty richness and protein.
- 1 pound ground pork: Adds moisture and a sweet, fatty balance to the beef.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and brightens all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives subtle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup whole milk: Tenderizes the meat and adds creamy richness.
- 1 cup dry white wine: Introduces acidity and complexity to balance the richness.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Forms the vibrant, hearty base of the sauce.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal notes that complement the meatiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds classic Mediterranean earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings sweet, fragrant highlights.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a gentle warmth and depth that rounds out the sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Perfect for topping to add salty, nutty richness.
- Cooked pasta of choice: Classic spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape to soak up the luscious sauce.
How to Make Simple Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they soften nicely, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a flavorful foundation for your sauce. Adding the garlic next helps to build fragrant layers, so cook it just until it becomes aromatic to avoid bitterness.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add both ground beef and pork to the pot, breaking the meat apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking. Browning the meat well is key—it not only develops rich, savory flavors but also adds a lovely texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the natural taste of the meat.
Step 3: Boost the Tomato Flavor
Stir in the tomato paste and cook it with the meat mixture for a couple of minutes. This step deepens the tomato essence and caramelizes some of the natural sugars, dramatically enriching the overall sauce.
Step 4: Add Milk and Wine
Pour in the milk, allowing it to gently simmer until mostly absorbed by the meat. This tenderizes the mixture and adds a creamy texture. Then add white wine, letting it reduce by half to concentrate the bright acidity that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Tomatoes and Herbs
Stir in crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, oregano, basil, and a pinch of nutmeg for subtle warmth. These ingredients work harmoniously to create a classic Italian flavor profile bursting with complexity.
Step 6: Long, Slow Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 1 1/2 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken into a luscious, hearty masterpiece. Stir occasionally and remove bay leaves before serving.
How to Serve Simple Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must-have topping that lends a salty, nutty complement to the rich Bolognese sauce. For extra charm and flavor, consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or a drizzle of quality extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the robust sauce. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are fantastic for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate, ensuring no bite goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning your Simple Bolognese Recipe over creamy polenta or roasted vegetables for a twist. You can also use the sauce as a filling for lasagna or stuffed peppers, turning this classic pasta sauce into a versatile culinary star in your kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors marry further.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and enjoy a quick, delicious meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Microwave reheating works too but be sure to cover and stir midway for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use only one type of meat for the Bolognese?
Absolutely. While combining ground beef and pork adds depth, using just ground beef or turkey works perfectly for a leaner sauce without sacrificing flavor.
Is it necessary to simmer the sauce for so long?
Simmering slowly allows the flavors to blend beautifully and the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency. If time is tight, 1 1/2 hours is fine, but longer is definitely better for that signature richness.
What pasta pairs best with Bolognese sauce?
Traditional choices include tagliatelle, fettuccine, or spaghetti. The wide noodles catch the chunky sauce nicely, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free pasta or other gluten-free sides to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
How do I prevent the sauce from being watery?
Cooking the sauce uncovered during the simmering process helps excess liquid evaporate, concentrating the flavors and thickening the sauce. Also, adequately browning the meat helps lock in richness without excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Bolognese Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that never gets old. Its delightful blend of approachable ingredients and slow-cooked goodness means you can recreate a comforting Italian classic anytime you want. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this sauce invites you to savor every bite while making your kitchen smell like a cozy trattoria. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved favorite in your own home!
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Simple Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic Italian Bolognese sauce made with a rich blend of ground beef and pork, simmered with aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, wine, and milk. Perfectly paired with your favorite pasta and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this hearty sauce delivers comforting flavors ideal for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
Liquids & Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
To Serve
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooked pasta of choice
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its flavor without burning.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot, breaking them apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned through, ensuring even cooking and developing rich flavor.
- Season and Tomato Paste: Season the meat with salt and black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the sauce’s flavor and caramelize the paste slightly.
- Simmer with Milk: Pour in the whole milk and let it simmer gently over medium-low heat until it is mostly absorbed by the meat mixture, adding creaminess to the sauce.
- Add Wine and Reduce: Pour in the dry white wine and cook until it reduces by half, concentrating its flavor.
- Combine Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, dried oregano, dried basil, and ground nutmeg. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Long Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the Bolognese sauce over hot cooked pasta and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian meal.
Notes
- The sauce’s flavor deepens the longer it simmers, so cooking it up to 3 hours on very low heat is recommended for best results.
- For a lighter version, use only ground beef or substitute ground turkey instead of pork.
- Leftovers freeze exceptionally well and make for convenient future meals.
- To keep the dish gluten-free, serve with gluten-free pasta.
