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Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe

5 from 129 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to ensure they blend smoothly into the sauce, infusing it with flavor.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and optional beef broth. Stir in salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil if using.
  5. 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.
  6. 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