If you’re craving a comforting, deeply flavorful sauce that brings a touch of Italy right to your kitchen, this Simple Bolognese Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a rich blend of slowly cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a perfect balance of herbs and tomato—resulting in a sauce that’s hearty yet delicate, familiar yet exciting. Whether you’re plating it over pasta, layering it in lasagna, or simply enjoying the aroma as it simmers, this recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that’s easier to master than you might think.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Simple Bolognese Sauce Recipe plays a vital role, building layers of taste and texture that make the sauce irresistibly delicious. From the sweetness of the carrots and the savory depth of the meat to the brightness of tomatoes and the warming herbs, these essentials come together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is your cooking foundation, providing richness and helping soften the vegetables gently.
- 1 onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and a mellow base flavor after slow sautéing.
- 2 medium carrots (finely diced): Brings natural sweetness and a little texture contrast.
- 2 sticks celery (finely diced): Offers subtle freshness and a slight crunch that balances the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty main protein that delivers a rich, meaty punch.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or sausages (casings removed): Adds seasoning and a juicy, spiced dimension.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Concentrates sweetness and umami, intensifying the tomato flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the sauce with fragrant notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- 1 cup red wine: Brings acidity and complexity that deepen as it simmers down.
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes: The juicy, flavorful base of the sauce that keeps it saucy and vibrant.
- 2 bay leaves: Imparts subtle earthy aromatics during the slow cooking process.
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar: Adds mild tang and a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (as needed): Helps mellow the tomato acidity, used to taste.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors fully.
How to Make Simple Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables Slowly
Begin by warming the olive oil in a large wide pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these gently for about 8-10 minutes until the onion softens completely—this slow softening releases the natural sugars and builds a lovely, sweet base for your sauce. Patience here really rewards you in flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning. This step is where the meat develops deep caramelized flavors, so give it time and room to brown properly instead of stirring too often.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings
Mix in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the paste to cook off a bit and start to smell aromatic and roasted, but watch carefully to avoid burning since that will add bitterness.
Step 4: Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those beautiful browned bits that hold so much flavor. Allow the wine to simmer until it reduces by about one-third. This step adds acidity and complexity, but don’t overdo the simmering or the wine might turn sharp.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, then tuck in your bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a boil once, then reduce it to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid. This slow cooking lets all the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 6: Simmer Until Thick and Rich
Let the sauce gently simmer covered for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Then remove the lid and cook for another 15 minutes to let the sauce thicken perfectly. Taste and adjust with sugar, salt, and pepper as needed to balance acidity and finish with perfect richness.
How to Serve Simple Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving—it melts into the sauce adding a salty creaminess that can’t be beat. Fresh basil or finely chopped flat-leaf parsley also brighten the plate beautifully and add a fresh herbal note that complements the hearty sauce.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with classic pasta shapes like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even pappardelle, which hold the sauce well. Garlic bread or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette are perfect companions, balancing the richness with crispness and acidity. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta also make for an indulgent side base.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond the usual pasta dinner, try spooning this sauce over roasted vegetables or baked spaghetti squash for a lighter twist. It also makes a fabulous filling for stuffed peppers or lasagna. For an elegant touch, serve it in small ramekins topped with a basil leaf as a savory appetizer alongside crusty bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Simple Bolognese Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner where you want all the flavor without the full effort.
Freezing
This sauce freezes exceptionally well. Transfer cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you need a comforting meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Bolognese slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. You can also reheat in a microwave—just cover and stir every minute to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use only ground beef for the sauce?
Absolutely! While the combination of ground beef and Italian sausage adds depth and seasoning, using only ground beef will still give you a delicious Simple Bolognese Sauce. You might want to season a bit more to compensate.
Is it necessary to use red wine in the recipe?
Red wine adds lovely acidity and a complex layer of flavor, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with beef broth or a mix of broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar. The sauce will still taste amazing.
How long should I simmer the sauce for the best flavor?
The sauce really benefits from slow simmering for 1 to 2 hours plus additional uncovered cooking time. This long cook allows flavors to develop fully and the sauce to thicken, giving you that rich, authentic Bolognese experience.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust seasonings as needed to complement your choice.
What pasta pairs best with Simple Bolognese Sauce Recipe?
Traditional wide noodles like tagliatelle or pappardelle are preferred because their broad surfaces hold the chunky sauce well. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape—the key is how much sauce you enjoy with each bite!
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Simple Bolognese Sauce Recipe a go, especially if you’re looking for a dinner that feels special but is straightforward to prepare. The slow-simmered flavors and hearty components create a meal that brings warmth and satisfaction, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
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Simple Bolognese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8-8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and flavorful Classic Bolognese Sauce made with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage simmered slowly with aromatic vegetables, garlic, red wine, and crushed tomatoes for a hearty Italian meat sauce perfect for pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 sticks celery, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or sausages with casings removed
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, wide pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté slowly until the onion has fully softened, about 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan. Brown over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking and good texture.
- Add Tomato Paste and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the tomato paste roast and release its rich flavor. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan to incorporate that flavor into the sauce. Simmer until the wine has reduced by about one third, being careful not to over-simmer to avoid acidity.
- Combine Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, then add the bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a boil once, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a lid.
- Slow Simmer to Develop Flavor: Simmer the sauce covered for 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 15 minutes to reduce any excess liquid, until the sauce is rich and thick.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and season with sugar, salt, and pepper as needed to balance acidity and flavor. Discard the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
- Use good quality red wine for the best flavor, but cooking wine or a substitute like beef broth can work in a pinch.
- You can prepare this sauce in advance; flavors often improve after a day in the refrigerator.
- Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for lasagna or other Italian dishes.
- To make the sauce gluten-free, ensure the Italian sausage contains no gluten additives.
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground meats or add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamy texture.
