Bolognese Pasta is a warm and delicious meal that features a rich meat sauce and tender pasta. It’s easy to love with its comforting flavors and hearty texture!
You can’t go wrong with a big bowl of this! I like to top mine with fresh cheese that melts right in. It’s perfect for a family dinner or just a cozy night in! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Tagliatelle or fettuccine works great for Bolognese. If you have spaghetti or any other pasta on hand, feel free to use that instead. I love the way tagliatelle holds the sauce!
Ground Meat: While the classic recipe uses ground beef, a mix of beef and pork adds more flavor. For a lighter option, you could use ground turkey or chicken. You can even use lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Wine: Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce but can be substituted with beef broth or stock if you prefer not to use alcohol. Just add a little vinegar for acidity if you go that route.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata work well, but you can also use diced tomatoes if that’s what you have. If you’re fresh out of tomato paste, you can blend some tomatoes for the same effect.
Milk/Heavy Cream: This ingredient softens the sauce’s acidity. For dairy-free options, nut milk or coconut cream can work, just adjust the amount as needed.
How Do I Make My Bolognese Sauce Deliciously Rich?
The key to an amazing Bolognese sauce is letting it simmer. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by sautéing your veggies until they’re soft. This builds a flavor base!
- Brown the meat thoroughly to develop flavor, and don’t rush it – a little caramelization is helpful.
- Let the wine reduce well after adding it. This intensifies the sauce.
- For long-simmering, low and slow is best! Plan on at least 30-40 minutes for simmering.
- Finally, adding the milk or cream at the end enriches the sauce right before serving!
These small steps make a big difference. Trust me, it’s worth the wait for that rich, comforting taste!
Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 400g (14 oz) tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 400g (14 oz) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 45 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 30-35 minutes cooking the sauce to let those delicious flavors develop. Plus, just a few minutes to boil the pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tagliatelle or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies until they’re soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This creates a delicious flavor base!
3. Brown the Meat:
Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef (or your meat mix) to the pan. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep cooking until the meat is browned and not pink anymore, which will take about 8-10 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it.
4. Add Wine:
Pour in the dry white wine into the pan. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until most of the wine has evaporated. This step adds a nice depth to your sauce.
5. Build the Sauce:
Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil (if using), salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
6. Finish with Cream:
As the sauce nears completion, stir in the milk or heavy cream. This will help soften the sauce’s acidity and add a lovely richness. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Make it perfect for your palate!
8. Serve It Up:
To serve, place the cooked pasta in bowls and ladle the Bolognese sauce generously over it. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal!
Dig into your rich and hearty Bolognese Pasta and savor every bite!
Can I Make This Bolognese Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove before adding it to your pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you want to mix it up, you can use ground pork, turkey, or even chicken. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or finely chopped mushrooms to maintain that hearty texture.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Bolognese can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Bolognese Pasta?
Serve the Bolognese sauce over your choice of pasta, such as tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even spaghetti. Top with freshly chopped parsley and a generous helping of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!