Bolognese

Bolognese is a rich, comforting Italian sauce made with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and a touch of milk, all simmered together to create a savory masterpiece. This hearty sauce is perfect for serving over pasta, using in lasagna, or even enjoying on its own. Simmered for hours, the flavors deepen and meld together, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bolognese sauce is the definition of comfort food—packed with rich, savory flavors and an amazing depth of taste that comes from hours of slow simmering. With simple ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, and milk, this sauce is made with love and patience, creating a sauce that coats your pasta perfectly. The texture is thick, and the flavor is well-rounded, making it a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and filling.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup small diced sweet yellow onion (about 1/4-inch pieces)

• 1/2 cup small diced carrots (about 1/4-inch pieces)

• 1/2 cup small diced celery (about 1/4-inch pieces)

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 tablespoons tomato paste

• 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 dry bay leaf

Garnish:

• Grated parmesan cheese

• Chopped fresh parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onions become translucent.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   Add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Break up the beef with a spoon or spatula and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until no pink remains.

3. Incorporate Tomato Paste:
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to fully incorporate into the beef and vegetables.

4. Add Tomatoes and Milk:
   Add the crushed tomatoes, whole milk, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything to combine.

5. Simmer the Sauce:
   Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced by about half. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning.

6. Finish and Serve:
   Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaf, and garnish the Bolognese with grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve over your favorite pasta, or enjoy it as is!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian Bolognese that’s equally hearty and satisfying.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced chili peppers to the sauce for a bit of heat.

• Different Meats: Try using ground turkey, or a mix of meats for a variation on the traditional Bolognese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This sauce freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

• Reheating: Reheat the Bolognese sauce over low heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well in Bolognese sauce. It will provide a leaner version of the sauce, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the sauce has thickened.

Can I make this Bolognese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for easy reheating.

What kind of pasta should I serve with Bolognese?

Traditional pasta options include pappardelle, fettuccine, or spaghetti, but this Bolognese sauce also pairs well with rigatoni, penne, or any hearty pasta that can hold up to the thick sauce.

Can I skip the milk in the recipe?

The milk adds richness and helps to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can omit it if you prefer a dairy-free version or need to adjust for dietary reasons. You could substitute it with a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If your Bolognese is too thin, simmer it for a longer period until it reduces to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste to help thicken it.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you will need to peel, seed, and crush them before adding them to the sauce. Using canned crushed tomatoes will provide a more consistent texture.

Can I freeze the Bolognese sauce?

Yes, this Bolognese sauce freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Bolognese sauce is everything you want in a hearty, comforting dish—rich, savory, and full of flavor. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to develop, and the addition of milk creates a creamy, well-balanced sauce that’s perfect over any pasta. Whether you’re preparing a meal for the family or meal prepping for the week, this Bolognese will surely become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy it with your favorite pasta and a sprinkle of parmesan for the ultimate comfort meal!

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