Pin It This Homemade Bolognese Sauce is the perfect comforting meal, made with ground beef, pork, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomato flavor. Perfectly paired with your favorite pasta, it's a savory, satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
I first served this Bolognese sauce on a chilly evening and was amazed by how quickly it disappeared. Everyone wanted seconds, and it's now a regular request for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb
- Ground pork: 1/2 lb
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion (large, finely chopped): 1
- Carrots (finely chopped): 2
- Celery stalks (finely chopped): 2
- Garlic (minced): 4 cloves
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): 1
- Milk or cream: 1 cup
- Red wine: 1 cup
- Bay leaves: 2
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving
Instructions
- Cook vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add garlic:
- Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add meat:
- Add ground beef and pork to the pot. Brown the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked (about 8 to 10 minutes).
- Deglaze with wine:
- Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Add tomato paste:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add remaining ingredients:
- Add the crushed tomatoes, milk (or cream), bay leaves, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Simmer:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Finish and serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the Bolognese sauce over pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
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My kids love helping to stir the pot and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Sharing a bowl of this Bolognese always brings everyone together around the table.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this sauce over your favorite pasta, such as tagliatelle or spaghetti. It's also delicious with a side of warm garlic bread.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavor deepens even more as it sits.
Ingredient Swaps
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and pork. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk.
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Once you try this Bolognese, it might just become a new tradition in your home. Enjoy comfort in every bite!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use just beef instead of both meats?
Yes, using only beef is possible, though the pork adds extra richness and depth to the sauce's flavor.
- → What type of wine works best?
A dry red wine such as Chianti or Cabernet enhances the sauce’s flavor. Choose one you enjoy drinking.
- → How can I make this sauce ahead?
Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Refrigerate and gently reheat before serving for enhanced flavor.
- → Is there a substitute for milk or cream?
You can use unsweetened plant-based milk or simply omit for a lighter sauce texture, though cream yields richness.
- → Which pasta shapes work well?
Wide noodles like tagliatelle, pappardelle, or fettuccine allow the sauce to cling beautifully for hearty eating.