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Bolognese Sauce

Heavenly Bolognese Sauce That Will Warm Your Heart

Bolognese Sauce is a comforting, rich, and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitute with neutral oil if desired.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion No substitution recommended.
  • 1 medium Carrot Can substitute with finely shredded zucchini.
  • 1 stalk Celery Optional to omit.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic preferred.
For the Meat
  • 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20) Can be replaced with other meats.
  • 0.5 pound Mild Italian Sausage Can be omitted.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Essential for richness.
  • 1 cup Red Wine Substitute with beef broth for non-alcoholic option.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning Can substitute with oregano and basil.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf Optional, remember to remove before serving.
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Use dairy-free milk for non-dairy option.
  • Salt and Black Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for approximately 10 minutes until browned.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, letting it caramelize for 2-3 minutes, then keep stirring to prevent sticking.
  4. Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom, allowing to bubble for about 5 minutes.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and salt and black pepper. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and let the sauce simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  7. In the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, stir in whole milk and adjust seasoning as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Bolognese sauce is freezer-friendly; allow it to cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

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