Description
Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese is a rich and hearty meat sauce made with ground beef and pork, simmered with aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs, served over your favorite pasta and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This comforting dish brings authentic flavors that are perfect for a satisfying family meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) ground beef
- 200 g (7 oz) ground pork
- 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) red wine
- 400 g (14 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & Garnish
- 400 g (14 oz) pasta, such as tagliatelle or spaghetti
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, which releases their flavors and forms the base of the sauce.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the grated carrot and finely chopped celery. Continue to sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften, bringing sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Brown meat: Increase heat to high and add the ground beef and pork. Cook thoroughly until browned, breaking up large chunks with a wooden spoon to ensure an even texture and rich flavor development.
- Deglaze and add tomatoes: Pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer and reduce for around 3 minutes, concentrating its flavor. Then add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to combine the ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
- Add broth and herbs: Stir in the beef or chicken broth along with fresh chopped basil and dried oregano. Bring the sauce to a simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Simmer sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the sauce cook gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmer thickens the sauce and enriches its taste.
- Season: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as desired, adjusting to your preference.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, prepare the pasta following package instructions until al dente. Drain well and keep warm.
- Serve: Plate the cooked pasta and generously ladle the bolognese sauce over it. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add a savory, creamy finish.
Notes
- Using a mix of ground beef and pork adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Simmering the sauce for a longer time develops more complex flavors — be patient!
- Use quality red wine for better flavor; however, it can be omitted if preferred.
- Tagliatelle or spaghetti are excellent pasta choices, but feel free to use your favorite type.
- Vegetarian substitutions can be made using plant-based grounds and vegetable broth for a meatless version.
- Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day once flavors have melded.
