Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce
Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce – Rich, Hearty, and Flavorful
Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce is a classic Italian meat sauce that’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect sauce for pasta lovers, bringing together ground meat, tomatoes, vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a slow-simmered, comforting dish. Unlike jarred sauces, making Bolognese from scratch lets you control the flavors, texture, and seasoning to create a delicious meal that rivals any Italian restaurant. For a creamy, indulgent twist, pair it with Creamy Rigatoni.
Whether you serve it with spaghetti, rigatoni, or pappardelle, this sauce is versatile and easy enough for weeknight dinners while being special enough for family gatherings. You can also prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, making meal prep a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Bolognese Sauce
- Rich and flavorful: The slow-cooked sauce delivers deep, comforting flavors.
- Easy to make: Minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Adjust meat, vegetables, and herbs to suit your taste.
- Versatile: Works as a pasta sauce, lasagna filling, or even for baked pasta dishes.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a large batch and enjoy multiple meals throughout the week.
Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce
Notes
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
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Sauté the vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This combination of vegetables, called a soffritto in Italian cuisine, forms the flavor base for the sauce. -
Cook the meat:
Add the ground beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat while cooking. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. If necessary, drain excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce. Browning the meat properly adds depth and richness to the final dish. -
Add garlic and tomato paste:
Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step helps release the natural flavors of garlic and caramelizes the tomato paste, enhancing the sauce’s overall taste. -
Add tomatoes and wine:
Pour in crushed tomatoes and red wine (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The wine adds acidity and complexity, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and vegetables. -
Season the sauce:
Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld, thickens the sauce, and ensures a rich, satisfying taste. -
Finish with parsley:
Just before serving, stir in fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color. The parsley complements the rich flavors of the meat and tomatoes beautifully. -
Serve:
Serve the Bolognese sauce hot over your favorite pasta. Traditional pairings include spaghetti, rigatoni, or pappardelle. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Low and slow: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently for longer enhances flavor and creates a velvety texture.
- Wine optional: Red wine adds depth, but it can be omitted for a simpler, kid-friendly version.
- Vegetable boost: Carrots, celery, and onions add natural sweetness and body. Mushrooms can also be added for extra umami.
- Make ahead: Bolognese tastes even better the next day, and it can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Consistency check: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If too thin, simmer a few extra minutes uncovered.
- Serve over your favorite pasta like spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or pappardelle.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
- For a rich, comforting experience, serve alongside Mexican Street Corn Soup as a starter or side. The sweet, smoky corn soup complements the savory, meaty Bolognese perfectly.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a finishing touch.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Bolognese sauce vegetarian?
A1: Yes! Replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Q2: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A2: Absolutely. Lean ground turkey or chicken will work, though the flavor will be milder. Adding a bit of olive oil or butter can enrich the sauce.
Q3: How long can I store homemade Bolognese?
A3: It can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Q4: Can I make Bolognese ahead of time?
A4: Yes, it’s actually recommended. The flavors deepen when the sauce rests overnight in the fridge.
Q5: What pasta works best with Bolognese?
A5: Wide, flat pasta like pappardelle holds the sauce well, but rigatoni, spaghetti, or fettuccine are also excellent choices.
Conclusion
Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce is a versatile, flavorful, and comforting Italian classic. With simple ingredients, a few aromatics, and slow simmering, you can create a rich, hearty sauce that’s perfect for pasta lovers. Pair it with sides like Mexican Street Corn Soup, a fresh salad, or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal. This sauce is not only easy to prepare but also fully customizable, making it a staple recipe you’ll return to again and again. Quick to make, indulgent, and delicious, homemade Bolognese is a must-have for any kitchen.
