Description
This classic Bolognese sauce recipe delivers a rich, hearty, and flavorful meat sauce that simmers slowly to perfection. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, sautéed vegetables, tomato paste, and milk, it creates a creamy and deeply savory sauce perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it the ultimate comfort food staple.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup whole milk
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, for serving
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and golden brown.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until browned evenly, about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to deepen its flavor and caramelize slightly.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, whole milk, and beef broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Add the bay leaf and dried oregano.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage flavor melding.
- Season and Finish: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Serve: Toss the sauce with cooked pasta of your choice and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, use whole milk to add creaminess to the sauce.
- Simmering uncovered allows the sauce to thicken and develop a rich taste.
- Using a combination of ground beef and pork gives a balanced flavor and texture.
- Feel free to prepare the sauce a day ahead; it tastes even better the next day.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
