Classic Bolognese Sauce is a rich, meaty Italian staple made by simmering ground beef, vegetables and tomatoes with seasonings. Serve over pasta for a comforting, flavorful meal.
How to Make Classic Bolognese Sauce
Description
Classic Bolognese Sauce is a rich, meaty Italian staple made by simmering ground beef, vegetables and tomatoes with seasonings. Serve over pasta for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
PREPARE THE VEGETABLES
Peel and finely chop the onion, carrot and celery stalk. Mince the garlic cloves. All vegetables must be cut into even, small pieces to ensure they cook uniformly and blend seamlessly into the sauce.
Tip: Use a food processor for chopping the vegetables if you prefer a quicker preparation method or a finer texture.
COOK THE AROMATICS
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion, carrot and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.
BROWN THE BEEF
Push the sautéed vegetables to the edges of the skillet to create space in the center. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pan. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula, cooking until it is evenly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Ensure there are no large chunks of beef left.
Tip: Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
MAKE THE SAUCE
Reduce the heat to medium and stir the cooked vegetables into the browned beef. Add the tomato paste and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, mixing thoroughly to combine. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: Taste the sauce after adding the seasonings and adjust as needed. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if necessary.
SIMMER THE SAUCE
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet loosely with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the sauce thickens, the flavors will meld beautifully.
Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to adjust the consistency.
SERVE THE BOLOGNESE
Remove the skillet from heat and let the sauce rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Spoon the sauce generously over your favorite cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Tip: Serve the sauce immediately for the best flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 500mg21%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 20g40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
HELPFUL TOOLS:
large skillet, wooden spoon, food processor (optional for chopping vegetables)
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