Description
This rich and hearty Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian meat sauce slow-simmered to develop deep flavors. Made with ground beef and pork, aromatic vegetables, red wine, and milk, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners, pasta nights, or meal prep. The long simmering creates a luscious, comforting sauce ideal for serving over your favorite pasta or using in other Italian dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Brown the Meat: Add ground beef and pork to the pot. Cook, breaking apart the meat with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer over medium heat until the wine has mostly evaporated, concentrating the flavor.
- Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then add the crushed whole peeled tomatoes along with the bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. This slow simmer develops the rich flavor and thick texture.
- Finish with Milk and Seasoning: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the whole milk to mellow the acidity and enrich the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove Bay Leaves and Serve: Before serving, remove the bay leaves. Serve the Bolognese sauce hot over pasta or use as desired.
Notes
- Using both pork and beef in the sauce creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Simmer the sauce as long as possible for the best texture and richest taste.
- The sauce tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead and refrigerating overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Bolognese sauce, Italian meat sauce, pasta sauce, slow simmered sauce, ground beef Bolognese, pork and beef Bolognese, comfort food
