Classic Bolognese Sauce
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of this Classic Bolognese Sauce, a timeless Italian recipe that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Made with a flavorful base of olive oil, butter, and a medley of finely chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, this sauce builds layers of depth with a combination of ground beef and pork. Slowly simmered with milk, white wine, crushed tomatoes, and a touch of nutmeg, it achieves a creamy, velvety consistency bursting with umami. Fresh basil adds a touch of brightness just before serving, while bay leaves infuse a subtle herbal aroma during the long cooking time of up to two hours. Pair this traditional Bolognese sauce with al dente pasta and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for the ultimate comfort meal that’s sure to impress. Perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is a must-have for lovers of authentic Italian cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 1 large celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 500 grams ground beef
- 250 grams ground pork
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 pieces bay leaves
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Instructions
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the ground beef and ground pork to the saucepan. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned all over, about 10 minutes.
Season the meat mixture with salt and black pepper.
Slowly pour the milk into the mixture. Let it simmer until the milk has almost completely evaporated, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until reduced by half.
Add the tomato paste, canned crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and nutmeg to the pan. Stir well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan partially, and simmer the sauce for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Remove the bay leaves from the sauce.
Stir in the chopped basil leaves just before serving.
Serve hot over your choice of cooked pasta and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2586 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 175.7 g | 225% | |
| Saturated Fat | 69.1 g | 345% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 533 mg | 178% | |
| Sodium | 3883 mg | 169% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.1 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.8 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.6 g | ||
| Protein | 139.4 g | 279% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 1100 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 13.0 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 3441 mg | 73% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
