Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce

I love making classic homemade Bolognese sauce because it’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. It starts with ground beef and pork, sautéed with onions, carrots, and celery for that rich base. I add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a splash of red wine, then let it simmer for hours to develop deep, comforting flavors. It’s perfect over pasta or in lasagna, and you can easily tweak it to suit your taste. Stick around for more tips to make it your own.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

You’ll love this homemade Bolognese sauce for its rich, authentic flavor and simplicity.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a comforting taste of Italy.

• Made with simple, wholesome ingredients for a fresh and hearty sauce.
• Slow-cooked to develop deep, savory flavors that shine in every bite.
• Versatile—pairs perfectly with pasta, lasagna, or even as a filling for stuffed vegetables.

Recipe

Bolognese sauce is a rich, hearty Italian classic that’s perfect for coating your favorite pasta or layering in lasagna. Made with ground meat, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables, this sauce is simmered to perfection for deep, layered flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef and pork. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Pour in red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, milk, bay leaves, oregano, and basil. Stir well.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes:

• For a smoother sauce, use a hand blender to partially blend the vegetables.
• Substitute ground veal or turkey for a lighter version.
• Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Serving: 8

Calories: 350 per serving

Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Bolognese sauce is a rich and hearty dish that can be a nutritious addition to your meals. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving.

What To Serve With It

There’s something comforting about pairing this rich, meaty sauce with the perfect side.

For pasta pairings, I always go for tagliatelle or pappardelle—their wide, flat shape clings to the sauce beautifully. If I’m feeling lighter, spaghetti works too.

To elevate the meal, I add flavor enhancers like freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.

Sometimes, I serve it with a simple garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. It’s all about creating a meal that feels hearty but lets the Bolognese shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze Bolognese Sauce?

I’ve found that Bolognese sauce storage works great in the freezer—just let it cool, then portion it into airtight containers. When I’m ready, Bolognese sauce reheating is simple; I thaw it overnight and warm it gently.

How Long Does Bolognese Sauce Last in the Fridge?

Bolognese sauce, like a fleeting sunset, has a shelf life of 3-4 days in the fridge. I’d store it in an airtight container, keeping it fresh and ready to fuel my next spontaneous kitchen adventure.

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

I’d say you *can* use ground turkey—it’s leaner, with ground turkey benefits like being lighter and healthier. Just know the meat texture’s softer than beef, so tweak the cook time to suit your taste. It’s your dish—make it yours!

What’S the Best Pasta for Bolognese?

When choosing pasta shapes, I’d go for tagliatelle or pappardelle because they’re perfect for sauce pairing, letting the flavors cling freely. Spaghetti or rigatoni work too, but wider noodles give me that hearty, satisfying bite I love.

Can I Make Bolognese Sauce in a Slow Cooker?

Back in the days of dial-up, I’d never have thought I’d make bolognese in a slow cooker, but here I am. With slow cooker tips, I’ve nailed bolognese variations that let me chill while it simmers.