Dive into the heart of Italian cuisine with the irresistible Bolognese Meat Sauce, or Ragu alla Bolognese! This rich, savory sauce has a history as deep as its flavor, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this classic recipe promises to elevate your pasta game to new heights. Get ready to savor every bite and impress your guests with this authentic dish that’s been perfected over generations!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup milk
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery (soffritto), and sauté until vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef and ground pork. Break the meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon and cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains, about 10-12 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the wine is mostly reduced and absorbed by the meat, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, partially covered, for about
- 5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the milk, which will help create a richer, smoother sauce and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The sauce should be thick and have a deep, rich flavor.
- Serve hot over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Tips
- Soffritto is Key: Take your time sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery until they are soft and translucent. This foundational mix, known as soffritto, adds incredible depth to the sauce.
- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for high-quality ground beef and pork for the best flavor. Mixing the two gives your sauce a wonderful richness.
- Wine Matters: Use a good red wine that you would enjoy drinking. The wine not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of sophistication to your sauce.
- Patience is a Virtue: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least
- 5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process is essential for developing the deep, complex flavors that Bolognese is known for.
- Milk Magic: Don’t skip the milk! Adding it towards the end of cooking will create a creamy texture and balance the acidity of the tomatoes, making your sauce even more delicious.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference!
- Perfect Pairing: Serve your Bolognese sauce over al dente pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
