Bolognese Sauce

This rich and hearty Bolognese Sauce features tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and crushed tomatoes simmered to perfection. Perfect over wide noodles like pappardelle or tagliatelle, it’s a comforting Italian classic that’s even better when made ahead. Freezer-friendly and full of depth—ideal for all tastes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bolognese Sauce is a classic Italian dish that brings together hearty ground beef, vegetables, and a rich tomato base to create a deep, savory sauce. The slow simmering process allows all the flavors to meld together, resulting in a comforting, filling sauce that’s perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta. This version is rich, satisfying, and full of flavor with a touch of creaminess from the milk. It’s the kind of meal that gets better with time, making it perfect for meal prep or freezing for future dinners. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or for a special occasion, this Bolognese will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons more to toss with pasta

• 1½ cups chopped onion (from 1 medium onion)

• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

• 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lb ground beef (20% fat)

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

• 1 cup beef broth

• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes

• 1½ cups hot water, plus more as needed

• 2 tablespoons double-concentrated tomato paste (or 4 tablespoons regular)

• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley (or fresh basil), plus more for serving

• ½ cup whole milk

To Serve:

• Pappardelle or tagliatelle pasta

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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

Directions

1. Cook the Vegetables

In a 6-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and melt butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the chopped celery and shredded carrot, and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are golden. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook the beef while breaking it up with a spatula until browned and the juices are released, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the Broth

Pour in the beef broth. Increase the heat and simmer, stirring often, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the Tomatoes and Simmer

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, hot water, tomato paste, parsley, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let the sauce simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the sauce begins to stick to the pot, add hot water, ½ cup at a time, to reach your desired consistency.

5. Adjust the Seasoning

Once the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened to a sloppy joe consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve

Serve the Bolognese sauce hot over cooked pappardelle or tagliatelle pasta. Toss with the remaining butter for extra richness and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra chopped herbs.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

• Servings: 8 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian Bolognese: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based sauce.

• Spicy Bolognese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small chopped chili to the sauce for some heat.

• Richer Sauce: Add a splash of cream along with the milk for a richer, more decadent sauce.

Storage/Reheating

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

• Freezing: This sauce freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, or chicken instead of beef. Each will give the sauce a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious!

2. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this Bolognese sauce actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together. You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

3. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, you can use canned whole tomatoes or diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes. Just break them down in the pot with a spoon or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.

4. Can I make this Bolognese sauce without milk?

You can omit the milk, but it adds a nice creaminess to the sauce. If you’re avoiding dairy, you could substitute with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.

5. How do I get the sauce to thicken?

The sauce will naturally thicken as it simmers. If you find it’s not thickening enough, you can add a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with water to help it along.

6. How do I know when the Bolognese is done?

The sauce is ready when the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich, slightly chunky texture. It should coat the pasta well and have a deep, savory flavor.

7. Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6–8 hours, adding a little water if needed.

8. Can I add other vegetables to this sauce?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Bolognese Sauce is the ultimate Italian comfort food, and this recipe delivers rich, deep flavor with tender meat and a smooth, savory sauce. It’s the perfect dish to serve over your favorite pasta, and it’s even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something hearty and comforting, this Bolognese sauce will hit the spot every time.

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