Description
This hearty and rich Bolognese sauce is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for pasta nights, cozy dinners, or weekend batch cooking. It’s slow-simmered with a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork, aromatic vegetables, red wine, tomatoes, and a touch of milk for that creamy finish. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, an easy pasta recipe, or a make-ahead meal, this classic Italian Bolognese delivers every time. It’s delicious, satisfying, and perfect for anyone searching for dinner ideas, food ideas, or easy recipes with bold flavor.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ pound ground beef
½ pound ground pork
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup red wine
¾ cup whole milk
2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened and slightly golden, about 8–10 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the ground beef and pork. Break it apart and cook until browned and no longer pink.
4. Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the meat mixture. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly caramelized.
5. Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, milk, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and rich.
8. Remove bay leaves, stir in chopped fresh parsley or basil, and taste for seasoning.
9. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, polenta, or in lasagna. Garnish with grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For extra depth, try adding pancetta with the vegetables at the start.
Let the sauce sit for 15–20 minutes before serving—it deepens the flavor even more.
This sauce tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully for future meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg