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Authentic Italian: Fresh Bolognese Recipe Made Easy

A Favorite Restaurant-Style Meal Made At Home!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: From Scratch, Gluten Free, Ground Beef, Pasta, Pasta Sauce
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

Bolognese Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ large onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • 1 cup milk sub dairy free option if needed
  • 1 cup beef broth or red wine
  • 1 (28oz) can petite diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Serving:

  • 1 lb tagliatelle or your favorite pasta sub gluten free if needed
  • fresh basil for garnish
  • fresh parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  • 1. Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

  • 1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • 2. Add the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes.
  • 3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

  • 1. Add the Meat: Add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain the fat.
  • 2. Add the Broth/Wine: Pour in the beef broth or red wine and cook, stirring frequently, until the broth has evaporated, about 10 minutes.
  • 3. Add the Milk: Pour in the milk and cook until it has evaporated, about 8 minutes.
  • 4. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the petite diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
  • 5. Season: Add the oregano, basil. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

  • 1. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

  • 1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • 2. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  • 3. Drain: Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water.

Step 6: Serve

  • 1. CombinePasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  • 2. Garnish: Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil.