The Ultimate Rich and Flavorful Bolognese Sauce

A comforting plate of pasta topped with a hearty serving of Bolognese sauce.

The Ultimate Rich and Flavorful Bolognese Sauce

Get ready to indulge your taste buds with this rich and savory flavors sauce with its hearty meat sauce and aromatic herbs. Bolognese sauce is a dish that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy with every delicious bite.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2 30

Servings

Calories 832.5kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion finely chopped
2 medium carrots finely chopped
2 celery stalks finely chopped
4 garlic cloves minced
1 pound ground beef 85% lean
1 pound ground pork
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1 cup dry white wine
1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly golden.
Add the minded garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Next, add the ground beef and pork to the pot, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through.
Pour in the milk and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has mostly evaporated.
Add the red wine to the pot and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves and oregano. Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
Simmer the sauce on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and the flavors have deepened. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, remove the bay leaf and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or pappardelle, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

For added depth, combine ground veal, pork, and beef in the sauce. You can add a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a slightly tangy flavor.
For an even richer flavor, add a few slices of chopped pancetta or bacon to the pot with the ground meats.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce to your desired consistency.
This sauce freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add some water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Nutrition