Whole30 Classic Bolognese Meat Sauce
Indulge in the rich, robust flavors of this Whole30 Classic Bolognese Meat Sauce, a health-conscious twist on the Italian classic. Packed with hearty ground beef and pork, this sauce layers vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion with aromatic garlic, oregano, and basil for a deeply satisfying flavor profile. Slow-simmered with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a splash of beef broth, this dairy-free, gluten-free recipe is perfect for those following Whole30 or looking to enjoy a wholesome yet indulgent meal. Serve it over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or your favorite veggie base for a nutritious, comforting dish that’s brimming with Italian flair. Ready in just 90 minutes, this recipe is ideal for meal prep or impressing guests with a homemade classic that’s both simple and exquisite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (or water if no compliant broth is available)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no visible pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
Pour in the beef broth or water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the sauce appears too thick, add more broth or water as needed.
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste if necessary.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Serve the Bolognese sauce over your choice of compatible noodles or vegetables such as zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2982 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 205.7 g | 264% | |
| Saturated Fat | 71.8 g | 359% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 709 mg | 236% | |
| Sodium | 4960 mg | 216% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 85.1 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.7 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.7 g | ||
| Protein | 209.9 g | 420% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 542 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 21.6 mg | 120% | |
| Potassium | 5081 mg | 108% | |
*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.
