Irresistible Bolognese Sauce: A Heartwarming Classic

Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian dish that warms the heart and fills the belly with its rich, meaty goodness. Picture a pot of simmering tomatoes, tender ground meat, and fragrant herbs wafting through your kitchen like an irresistible invitation to dine. tomato mozzarella potato gratin spicy Italian crescent ring layered zucchini ricotta melts

Now, let’s rewind to my childhood, where Sunday dinners meant family gathered around the table, forks at the ready, eagerly awaiting that heavenly Bolognese sauce bubbling away. english muffin pizzas It was magical how each spoonful brought us closer together, creating memories as delicious as the dish itself.

I still remember the time I made this sauce for my friends during a movie night. Their delighted reactions were priceless; they practically licked their plates clean!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Beef: A good quality beef adds richness and depth; aim for 80% lean for ideal flavor. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef recipes recipe.

• Carrots: Finely chopped carrots bring natural sweetness and balance to the savory flavors.

• Onions: Use yellow onions; they become sweet when cooked down to perfection.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate your sauce with robust aromatics—don’t skimp on this one!

• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes for a richer texture; crush them by hand for authenticity.

• Olive Oil: A good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor while sautéing your veggies.

• Red Wine: A splash of dry red wine deepens the sauce’s complexity; choose one you’d enjoy drinking!

• Herbs (Basil & Oregano): Fresh herbs add vibrancy; dried ones work well too if fresh isn’t available.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in your sauce!

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

Let’s Make it together

Sauté Your Veggies: Start by heating a generous amount of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and carrots until they soften and release their natural sweetness.

Add Garlic and Meat: Toss minced garlic into the mix, stirring until fragrant. Then introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.

Deglaze with Wine: Pour in your red wine while scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the pot. Let it simmer until reduced by half to intensify those flavors.

Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in crushed canned tomatoes along with dried oregano and fresh basil. Allow everything to come together in a delightful symphony of scents.

Simmer Away!: Reduce heat to low and let your Bolognese sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste your masterpiece! Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed; this step ensures perfection in every bite.

Enjoy this comforting Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta or even use it as a filling for lasagna or baked ziti! Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish guarantees smiles all around. Each mouthful delivers a warm hug of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. For more inspiration, check out this Cajun lasagna recipe recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add ground meat before mixing in the tomatoes for a depth of flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add a splash of red wine for enhanced richness and complexity.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Bolognese Sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for three to four days. Reheat gently on low heat.

My first attempt at making Bolognese Sauce was met with rave reviews from friends, who claimed it tasted like Italy on a plate!

FAQ

What makes Bolognese Sauce different from marinara?

Bolognese Sauce contains meat and is simmered longer than marinara, creating a rich flavor profile.

Can I use vegetables in my Bolognese Sauce?

Absolutely! Chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms enhance flavor and texture beautifully.

How long can I store Bolognese Sauce?

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for three months.

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Classic Bolognese Sauce

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• Author: Larissa W.
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the warmth of this Classic Bolognese Sauce, a hearty Italian favorite that combines tender ground beef, aromatic herbs, and rich tomatoes. This delightful sauce simmers to perfection, creating a comforting dish that’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Serve it over your favorite pasta or use it as a filling for lasagna, and enjoy the satisfying flavors that evoke memories of cherished meals around the table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and carrots; sauté until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef; break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned.
4. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom; simmer until reduced by half.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low; cover and let simmer for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg