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Classic Bolognese Sauce

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A rich and authentic Italian Bolognese sauce slow-simmered to develop deep, velvety flavors, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 ounces ground beef (80/20)
  • 8 ounces ground pork
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional, oregano or thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat (about 350°F). When the butter melts and foams, add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté gently for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are soft and slightly golden, stirring often.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef and pork. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned but still slightly pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
  5. Pour in the white wine and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces by half (about 5 minutes).
  6. Add crushed canned tomatoes, whole milk, bay leaf, and dried herbs if using. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover partially with a lid leaving a small gap for steam, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir every 15-20 minutes to prevent sticking. Sauce should thicken and develop deep flavor.
  8. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.
  9. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not skip the milk as it softens acidity and gives a silky finish. Keep heat low during simmering to avoid burning. Stir occasionally but gently. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bolognese, Italian sauce, pasta sauce, classic Bolognese, slow simmer, meat sauce, authentic Italian, dinner recipe

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/classic-bolognese-sauce-recipe-easy-authentic-italian-dinner-idea/