Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian meat sauce that’s rich, hearty, and perfect for pasta nights. With simple ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, onion, and garlic, you can create a deeply flavorful sauce that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or saucepan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer slowly for at least one hour, stirring occasionally, until it becomes thick and rich in flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of red wine when cooking the beef to enhance the sauce’s richness.
• Try adding finely chopped carrots and celery along with the onion for a traditional soffritto base.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano towards the end of cooking for a fresh, aromatic touch.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.

Storage

Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Bolognese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, Bolognese sauce tastes even better after resting. Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld before reheating and serving.

What pasta goes best with Bolognese sauce?

Traditional choices include tagliatelle or pappardelle, as their wide, flat shapes hold the thick sauce well. Spaghetti is also a popular and convenient option.

Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 97 reviews

This Homemade Bolognese Sauce is a classic Italian meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Slowly simmered to develop rich, deep flavors, it’s perfect for serving over pasta or as a base for other dishes.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups canned or fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup dry red wine
• Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to ensure they cook evenly and infuse the sauce with their flavors.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and optional dried herbs and wine. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to develop fully and the sauce to thicken.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over your choice of cooked pasta or use as desired.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry red wine during the cooking process and let it reduce.
• Use fresh tomatoes in season for a brighter sauce or canned tomatoes year-round.
• Simmering time can be extended up to 2 hours for a more intensified flavor.
• This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Bolognese, Meat Sauce, Italian Sauce, Pasta Sauce, Homemade Sauce, Ground Beef Sauce