If you love hearty, comforting meals with rich, layered flavors, this Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe is going to become your new go-to for pasta nights. It’s a beautifully balanced sauce that brings together tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, creamy milk, and a touch of wine, simmered slowly to meld every flavor perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe provides that timeless taste of Italy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the sauce’s rich texture, vibrant color, and deep flavor that you’ll savor spoonful after spoonful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the vegetables.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup): Provides a sweet, aromatic base.
- 1 small carrot, peeled and finely diced (about 1/3 cup): Adds natural sweetness and a slight crunch.
- 1 small stalk celery, finely diced (about 1/4 cup): Brings a subtle earthiness and texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For a fragrant, savory kick.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The foundation of protein and hearty flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground or freshly grated nutmeg: A secret, warming touch that elevates the sauce.
- 1 cup whole milk: Rounds out the mixture with creamy smoothness.
- 1 cup dry white wine: Introduces acidity and a subtle fruity note.
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes: The vibrant, tangy heart of the sauce.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture while keeping the flavors delicate and balanced.
How to Make Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s shimmering gently. Toss in the finely diced onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they soften completely and release their sweetness—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce and brings out the natural sugars in the veggies.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Now add the lean ground beef to your softened vegetables along with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks through, letting it brown evenly over 5 to 7 minutes. The seasoning here is subtle but essential, seasoning the meat to bolster the entire sauce with depth and warmth.
Step 3: Add Milk and Wine for Depth
Pour in the cup of whole milk and keep stirring occasionally until it mostly evaporates, around 10 to 12 minutes. This step transforms the texture and tempers the beef’s richness. Next, pour in the dry white wine and let it also simmer down gently. The wine lifts the sauce with bright acidity and complexity that takes the Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe to another level.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth
Finally, add the whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth to the pot. As you add the tomatoes, gently crush them by hand to create bite-size pieces that’ll melt beautifully into the sauce. Bring everything to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle bubble. Let it cook slowly for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring every now and then and breaking down any large tomato chunks, until the sauce thickens and the flavors marry perfectly.
How to Serve Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
When you’re ready to serve, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top is classic and never fails to impress. Fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley can add a pop of color and fresh aroma that complements the rich sauce beautifully. Don’t forget a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil to make every forkful shine.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with a bed of al dente pasta such as tagliatelle, pappardelle, or even spaghetti—each strand soaking up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a side, toss together a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or prepare some garlic butter bread to mop up every last drop of the Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little playful, try layering this sauce in a baked pasta casserole with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. Or turn it into a rich filling for homemade lasagna, layering with sheets of pasta and béchamel. The versatility of this Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe means the possibilities are endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bolognese sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more after resting, making it a perfect make-ahead component for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze this sauce for up to 3 months with ease. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, label with the date, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to enjoy again. This makes it a fantastic recipe for batch cooking and having a hearty meal always at the ready.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce feels a bit thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water, broth, or wine to loosen it up. This technique keeps the texture silky and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
What type of meat is best for Bolognese sauce?
Traditional Bolognese usually uses lean ground beef, which gives a hearty but not greasy texture. You can also mix in some ground pork or veal for extra richness, but this Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe shines beautifully with just beef.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
While the core of this Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe is meat-based, you can substitute the beef with chopped mushrooms and lentils to mimic the texture and maintain deep flavor, creating a delicious vegetarian version.
How long should I simmer Bolognese sauce?
Slow simmering for at least 1 1/2 hours as described here is crucial. It lets the sauce thicken and the flavors develop fully, giving that authentic taste and luxurious texture everyone loves.
What pasta goes best with Bolognese?
Wider, flatter noodles like tagliatelle or pappardelle are classically paired with Bolognese because their shape holds the chunky sauce well, creating the perfect bite every time.
Can I prepare this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the sauce a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen beautifully. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making a Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe from scratch—the aroma filling your kitchen, the layered flavors developing with every simmer, and the joy of sharing a rich, comforting meal with loved ones. I encourage you to take your time with this recipe and revel in every step. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a cherished classic for good reason!
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Classic Bolognese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Classic Bolognese Sauce is a rich and savory Italian meat sauce made with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, milk, white wine, and tomatoes, slowly simmered to perfection. This hearty sauce is perfect for pairing with pasta or layering in lasagna, offering a deep, comforting flavor and a thick, luscious texture.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 small carrot, peeled and finely diced (about 1/3 cup)
- 1 small stalk celery, finely diced (about 1/4 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground or freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and are fragrant, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the lean ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg to the pot. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add milk and simmer: Pour in 1 cup of whole milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until the milk has mostly evaporated, around 10 to 12 minutes. This step tenderizes the meat and enriches the sauce.
- Incorporate the white wine: Stir in 1 cup of dry white wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the wine has evaporated, about 10 to 12 minutes. This adds acidity and depth to the sauce.
- Add tomatoes and broth, then simmer: Add the whole peeled tomatoes with their juices, breaking them up by hand into bite-size pieces as you add them to the pot. Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a very gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally and breaking up any large tomato pieces, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully, approximately 1 1/2 hours.
Notes
- Using whole milk adds creaminess and balances the acidity of the tomatoes and wine.
- Simmering the sauce gently for at least 1 1/2 hours enhances flavor development and texture.
- Breaking up the tomatoes by hand results in a rustic texture typical of traditional Bolognese.
- You can substitute ground beef with a mix of ground pork and beef for a richer flavor.
- Serve hot over your choice of pasta such as tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti.
