Ultimate Bolognese Sauce Recipe for Hearty Comfort

The rich aroma of simmering bolognese sauce wafts through the air, teasing your senses with its promise of hearty comfort. Imagine a velvety blend of tomatoes, herbs, and tender meat, bubbling away like a warm hug on a chilly evening. You can almost taste the layers of flavor before you even take your first bite.

As I recall my first attempt at making bolognese sauce, I remember the chaos of my kitchen resembling a food war zone. Spilled ingredients, an overflowing pot, and family members hovering around to sample were all part of the experience. It was love at first taste when we finally sat down to enjoy it together, making this dish a staple for our family gatherings.

One memorable dinner featured my bolognese sauce, and the delighted faces around the table made every spilled ingredient worth it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option that still delivers robust flavor.

• Onion: A diced onion adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to golden perfection.

• Carrot: Finely chopped carrots provide natural sweetness and enhance the sauce’s texture.

• Celery: Celery offers crunch and aromatic complexity; don’t skip this essential ingredient.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse the sauce with irresistible flavor—use more if you love garlic!

• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for quality San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic Italian taste.

• Red Wine: A splash of red wine elevates the sauce’s flavor profile—just remember to save some for yourself!

• Dried Oregano: This herb adds an earthy note that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

• Bay Leaves: Adding bay leaves during cooking imparts a subtle depth that rounds out the flavors.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; its richness enhances the overall taste.

• Salt and Pepper: Don’t be shy—season generously to bring out all those lovely flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Sautéing Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery while stirring until they soften and become fragrant.

Cooking Ground Beef: Increase heat slightly and add ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it sizzles away into meaty goodness.

Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic along with dried oregano and bay leaves. Cook for an additional minute until your kitchen smells heavenly.

Pour in Tomatoes and Wine: Add canned tomatoes along with their juice and pour in that glorious red wine. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.

Simmering Blissfully: Reduce heat to low and let your sauce bubble away for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally and enjoy watching as it thickens into velvety perfection.

Taste Testing: Before serving, taste your bolognese sauce! Adjust seasoning if necessary—maybe it needs just a pinch more salt or pepper to reach its full potential.

Now you have created an incredible bolognese sauce that’s perfect over pasta or as a base for lasagna! Enjoy every mouthful as you revel in your culinary triumph.

Cooking can be messy but rewarding; just remember: if you spill some tomato sauce while dancing around your kitchen, it’s all part of the fun!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then brown the meat. Add tomatoes and let it simmer for at least an hour. This sequence amplifies flavors and ensures a deliciously rich bolognese sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add vegetables like carrots for sweetness. A splash of red wine can enhance the sauce’s depth, making it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Cool the sauce completely before transferring to airtight containers. It lasts up to five days in the fridge or three months in the freezer. Reheat gently on the stove for best quality.

Cooking this bolognese sauce reminds me of family gatherings where laughter mingled with delicious smells, making every moment memorable.

FAQ

What type of meat is best for bolognese sauce?

A mix of ground beef and pork creates a rich flavor profile that’s delicious.

Can I make bolognese sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better when made a day in advance as flavors meld together.

How should I serve bolognese sauce?

Serve over your favorite pasta, or use it in lasagna for an unforgettable meal experience.

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Bolognese Sauce

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Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian dish that delivers hearty comfort in every bite. Bursting with rich flavors from tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and savory tomatoes, this sauce transforms any meal into a delightful occasion. Perfect over pasta or as a base for lasagna, it’s easy to make and ideal for family gatherings. Enjoy the warmth of this delicious dish as it fills your home with its irresistible aroma.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
2. Increase heat slightly and add ground beef; cook until browned.
3. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and bay leaves; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add canned tomatoes (with juice) and red wine; bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving over pasta or using in lasagna.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg