Beef Bolognese Italian Sauce (Printable)
A rich, slow-simmered Italian meat sauce ideal for pasta or baked dishes with a savory depth.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 3.5 oz pancetta or unsmoked bacon, finely diced
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, finely diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Liquids
07 - ½ cup dry red wine
08 - 28 oz canned whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1 cup whole milk
11 - 1 cup beef stock
→ Seasonings & Fats
12 - 3 tbsp olive oil
13 - 2 bay leaves
14 - 1 tsp dried oregano
15 - ½ tsp dried thyme
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
17 - Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
→ To Serve
18 - 1.1 lbs pasta (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
19 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until lightly golden, about 3 minutes.
02 - Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook until softened and fragrant, approximately 8 minutes.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to release aroma.
04 - Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, and cook until fully browned, breaking up clumps, about 5 to 7 minutes.
05 - Pour in red wine, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits, and simmer until mostly evaporated, about 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and optional nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
07 - Pour in milk and beef stock, then bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
08 - Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add additional stock or water if sauce thickens excessively.
09 - Taste the sauce, adjust salt and pepper as needed, and remove bay leaves.
10 - Meanwhile, prepare pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions, then drain.
11 - Combine pasta with sauce or serve the sauce ladled generously over pasta. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
# Cooking Tips:
01 -
- This sauce has a depth that feels like a well-kept family secret passed down just between us friends
- The slow simmer transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, rich dish that became our go-to for both busy weeknights and special dinners
02 -
- The longer you simmer, the deeper and more tender everything becomes—don&t rush this step even if it tests your patience
- Adding milk is a game changer; it mellows acidity and gives a silky texture you won&t want to skip
03 -
- Brown the meat well to build a rich flavor base before adding anything else
- Simmer slowly with the lid off partially to concentrate flavors without drying it out