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Classic & Easy Weeknight Bolognese Sauce

A fork lifting twirled spaghetti coated in thick bolognese sauce from a bowl, topped with grated cheese.
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Make this rich, hearty Bolognese sauce that tastes like it simmered all day, but is simple enough for your busy weeknights. This authentic Italian meat sauce is a family favorite.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium 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 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 (spaghetti or tagliatelle recommended)

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 any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. If using, pour in the red wine. Let it simmer and reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  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 cook for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, simmer for up to 1.5 hours. This slow simmer develops the best bolognese sauce flavor.
  7. While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Toss the cooked pasta with the hearty beef sauce, or serve the sauce over the pasta.

Notes

  • For a truly authentic Italian taste, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork or veal in your sauce.
  • If you want to make this a lasagna meat sauce recipe, use a slightly thicker consistency by simmering longer or reducing the broth amount.
  • This recipe freezes well. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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