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Bolognese

Bolognese
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This easy and hearty Bolognese recipe delivers a rich, flavorful sauce made with simple ingredients in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. With its comforting depth and versatility, it’s a family-friendly dish that pairs wonderfully with pasta, vegetables, or baked dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or beef-pork mix (can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, lentils, or mushrooms for variations)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced

Tomato Base

  • 1 can (14 oz) canned tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Liquids and Fats

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sofritto: Finely dice onion, carrot, and celery. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté these vegetables until softened and sweet, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add ground beef or your chosen meat to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until evenly browned, creating a deep, savory base.
  3. Add Garlic and Tomato Elements: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and red wine (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Finish with Milk and Seasoning: Pour in milk or cream to soften tomato acidity and add richness. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens to your liking.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Toss the hot Bolognese with freshly cooked pasta or your favorite sides. Optionally, sprinkle with grated cheese for added flavor.

Notes

  • Simmer the sauce low and slow longer than 10 minutes if you have extra time to deepen the flavors.
  • Using a mix of beef and pork creates a richer taste.
  • Do not skip adding milk as it balances acidity and makes the sauce smooth.
  • Use quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Season gradually, tasting as you go to adjust salt and herbs appropriately.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bolognese, Italian sauce, quick dinner, easy pasta sauce, weeknight meal, hearty sauce, ground beef sauce, meat sauce

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/bolognese/