Discover how to create a classic and savory Bolognese sauce with this simple yet flavorful recipe. This easy-to-follow guide will take you through each step, ensuring a delicious result that’s perfect for a family meal.
Begin by heating oil, butter, and chopped onion in a pot over medium heat. Once the onion becomes translucent, add chopped celery and carrot, cooking for about 2 minutes to coat the vegetables well. Next, incorporate ground beef, seasoned with salt and pepper, into the pot.
The next step involves deglazing the pot with wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. After this, add milk and let it simmer until reduced, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in crushed tomatoes and allow the sauce to simmer, covered, and stirring occasionally. This process helps the flavors blend and the sauce thicken, which takes about 20 minutes.
This recipe allows for variations. You can add a mirepoix—a mix of onions, carrots, and celery—or other finely chopped vegetables. For the meat, a combination of ground pork and beef adds great flavor, but using just beef or even ground veal is also an option.
The sauce requires a total of 3 hours to cook, but most of this time is hands-off, allowing you to multitask in the kitchen. Once the sauce is ready, adjust the seasoning to your preference and serve it with pasta or other dishes. This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
