The aroma of simmering bolognese sauce wafts through the air, a rich and hearty blend of tomatoes, garlic, and spices. As it bubbles away, you can almost taste the comforting embrace of this classic dish.
Imagine gathering around the dinner table, laughter filling the room as family and friends dive into a steaming bowl of pasta topped with that glorious bolognese sauce. It’s a dish that has brought us together for countless memorable occasions.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The bolognese sauce is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a weeknight dinner hero
- Its deep, savory flavors will impress your taste buds and those of your guests
- The vibrant colors create an inviting plate that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to use in lasagna or as a filling for stuffed peppers
I still remember the first time I served this bolognese sauce at a family gathering; everyone went back for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose high-quality ground beef for a rich flavor; 80/20 is perfect for balance.
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Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; make sure to dice it finely for even cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key; mince them well to release their aromatic goodness.
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Carrot: Finely chopped carrots provide natural sweetness; they also add color and texture.
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Celery: Don’t skip the celery; it contributes depth and a subtle crunch to the sauce.
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Canned Tomatoes: Use whole or diced San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor; crush them by hand before adding.
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Red Wine: A splash of red wine deepens the flavor; choose one that’s good enough to drink.
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Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; it’ll be used for sautéing vegetables.
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Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs add classic Italian flavors; dried works best here for depth.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust according to taste throughout cooking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Sauté the Vegetables: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened—about 5-7 minutes—until they smell heavenly.
Add Garlic and Ground Beef: Toss in minced garlic along with ground beef. Cook until browned thoroughly, breaking it up into smaller pieces with your spoon—about 8-10 minutes.
Pour in Red Wine and Tomatoes: Once browned, pour in red wine, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan. Add crushed canned tomatoes along with oregano and basil, stirring well.
Add Seasonings and Simmer: Sprinkle salt and pepper into your bubbling concoction. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low—let it simmer uncovered for about 30-45 minutes.
Taste Test Time!: After simmering away those flavors, give your sauce a taste! Adjust seasoning if needed. If you want more depth, let it simmer longer!
Serve It Up!: Finally, serve over your favorite pasta or use as a filling in lasagna. Don’t forget grated Parmesan on top for added yumminess!
Enjoy every comforting bite of this delightful bolognese sauce that brings warmth to any meal!
You Must Know
- Bolognese sauce isn’t just about cooking meat and tomatoes; it’s a symphony of flavors
- Let it simmer low and slow for deep, rich taste
- You can customize it with your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own
- The smell while cooking makes everyone hungry!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning your meat in a pan, then add onions, carrots, and celery to soften. Pour in wine for flavor before adding tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for at least an hour to meld those delicious flavors together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with Italian herbs like oregano or fresh basil for added depth. You can also throw in red pepper flakes if you enjoy some heat!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect bolognese, use high-quality canned tomatoes; they make all the difference
- Make sure to let it simmer long enough for flavors to develop completely
- Don’t skip the wine; it adds great depth and complexity to your sauce!
Sometimes I think my kitchen transforms into an Italian trattoria when I make this sauce—friends come over just for the aroma! The last time I cooked it, my neighbor knocked on the door asking if dinner was ready.
FAQ
Can I freeze bolognese sauce?
Yes, you can freeze bolognese sauce in airtight containers for up to three months.
What pasta goes best with bolognese sauce?
Traditional choices include tagliatelle, pappardelle, or even spaghetti for a classic touch.
Can I make bolognese sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making it a day ahead enhances flavor as it sits in the fridge overnight.
Hearty Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Embrace the comforting aroma of homemade bolognese sauce, a rich blend of tomatoes, garlic, and spices simmered to perfection. This classic Italian dish brings family and friends together, transforming any meal into a memorable occasion. With its deep flavors and vibrant colors, this versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, lasagna, or stuffed peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- ½ cup red wine
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and ground beef. Cook until the meat is browned (8-10 minutes), breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Add crushed tomatoes along with oregano and basil; stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve over your favorite pasta with grated Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
