Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a rustic Italian trattoria! This legendary Bolognese sauce isn't just a recipe—it's a rich, hearty masterpiece that has been perfected over generations. With a perfect balance of ground beef and pork, slow-simmered to aromatic perfection, this sauce promises to elevate your pasta game from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that speaks the language of true Italian comfort food.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by finely chopping the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and ground pork, breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Cook the meat until it is fully browned and no longer pink, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the browned meat. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer gently for
- 5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Before serving, let the sauce rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve hot over your favorite pasta, such as tagliatelle, pappardelle, or rigatoni.
Tips
- Use high-quality meats: Choose fresh ground beef and pork with a good fat content for maximum flavor.
- Take your time with sautéing: Properly caramelizing the vegetables and meat builds deep, complex flavors.
- Don't rush the simmering process: Low and slow cooking is crucial for developing a rich, tender sauce.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: While dried oregano works great, consider adding fresh basil at the end for a bright finish.
- Let the sauce rest: Allowing the sauce to sit for 10 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together.
- Consider making a larger batch: This sauce freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 425kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
