Description
A rich, slow-simmered meat sauce that delivers a depth of flavor, perfect for coating pasta. This Bolognese sauce is hearty, satisfying, and a quintessential comfort food.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 large Yellow Onion, finely diced
2 medium Carrots, peeled and finely diced
2 Celery Stalks, finely diced
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1.5 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 lean)
1 teaspoon Salt, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon Black Pepper, plus more to taste
¼ cup Tomato Paste
½ cup Dry Red Wine or Beef Broth or Unsweetened Grape Juice
1 cup Whole Milk
2 (28-ounce) cans Crushed Tomatoes
1 cup Beef Broth
2 Bay Leaves
½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
¼ teaspoon Freshly Grated Nutmeg
Fresh Basil or Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Parmesan Cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Push vegetables to one side and add the ground beef. Brown the meat thoroughly, seasoning with salt and pepper
- Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving some for flavor
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes to caramelize
- Deglaze the pot with wine (or broth/grape juice), scraping up any browned bits
- Add the milk and simmer until absorbed
- Introduce crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer
- Cover partially and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasonings, and serve over pasta with fresh basil and parmesa
Notes
Allow the Bolognese sauce to sit for a few hours or overnight for enhanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg