Description
Savory Italian Bolognese sauce weaves rich meaty flavors into a classic comfort dish that sings with traditional culinary heritage. Hearty ground beef, aromatic herbs, and slow-simmered tomatoes create a deeply satisfying sauce you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225 g) ground pork
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup (120 ml) dry red wine
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1 can (28 oz/800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by gently sautéing finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet, earthy flavors.
- Elevate the heat and introduce ground beef and pork, methodically breaking down the meat with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the proteins transform from pink to a rich, caramelized brown, developing deep, complex flavors.
- Introduce red wine to the pot, using its acidity to deglaze and lift the concentrated caramelized bits clinging to the bottom, creating a foundational flavor profile for the sauce.
- Incorporate milk, allowing it to gently simmer and tenderize the meat, creating a silky, luxurious texture that distinguishes this classic Italian sauce.
- Blend crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic herbs like oregano, thyme, and a whisper of nutmeg. Season with salt and black pepper, then introduce a bay leaf to infuse additional depth and complexity.
- Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to slowly transform, partially covered, for approximately two hours. Periodically stir to prevent scorching and ensure even flavor development.
- Finalize the sauce by removing the bay leaf and performing a final seasoning adjustment. Ladle the rich, robust sauce over al dente pasta, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and optional fresh basil for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Choose meats with higher fat content like 80/20 ground beef and ground pork for richer, more flavorful sauce.
- Finely dice vegetables to create smooth, well-integrated base that melts into sauce without chunky texture.
- Let sauce simmer uncovered during last 30 minutes to naturally reduce and concentrate flavors intensely.
- Swap traditional dairy milk with alternative like almond or oat milk for lactose-free version without compromising depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg