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Classic & Easy Weeknight Bolognese Sauce

A close-up of fresh tagliatelle pasta topped generously with rich, hearty bolognese sauce, served in a white bowl.
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Make this rich, hearty beef sauce that tastes like it simmered all day, perfect for busy weeknights or layering into lasagna. This is the best bolognese sauce recipe for authentic Italian flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with beef broth)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound pasta (such as spaghetti or tagliatelle)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 8 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. If using, pour in the red wine and let it simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until the liquid is mostly reduced, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and milk. Add the oregano and basil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it slow simmer for at least 45 minutes, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you simmer, the richer the flavor.
  7. While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  8. Taste the bolognese sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the rich tomato meat sauce generously over your cooked pasta.

Notes

  • For an even deeper flavor, replace the ground beef with a mix of ground beef and ground pork or veal.
  • This homemade bolognese sauce freezes well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • If you want a quicker weeknight bolognese, reduce the simmer time to 30 minutes, but know the flavor will be less developed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/easy-weeknight-bolognese-sauce/