Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Homemade Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian meat sauce full of rich flavors and comforting goodness. It’s perfect for pairing with pasta or using as a base for other dishes. Making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and enjoy a delicious meal anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer slowly for at least one hour until it becomes rich and thick, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve with your favorite pasta or use as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine or a pinch of Italian herbs while simmering.
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a more complex taste.
- Adding finely diced carrots and celery with the onions creates a traditional soffritto base.
Storage
Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Bolognese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, Bolognese sauce often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What pasta is best for Bolognese?
Traditional pairings include tagliatelle or fettuccine, but you can also use spaghetti, pappardelle, or any pasta that holds the sauce well.
PrintHomemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe
A classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce recipe featuring ground beef simmered with tomatoes, onion, and garlic to create a rich, hearty sauce perfect for pasta dishes or lasagna.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to ensure they blend smoothly into the sauce, infusing it with flavor.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and optional beef broth. Stir in salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil if using.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer develops the rich flavors and thickens the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over your favorite pasta or use as a base for lasagna.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork.
- Adding a splash of red wine during simmering enhances richness.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for convenience.
- Simmering longer (up to 2 hours) will yield an even thicker and more flavorful sauce.
- Use fresh herbs if available to elevate the dish.
Keywords: Bolognese, Italian sauce, ground beef sauce, pasta sauce, homemade Bolognese
