Bolognese Sauce
Bolognese Sauce pairs tender pasta with a flavorful sauce or filling for a satisfying main dish.
About This Recipe
Bolognese Sauce works best when the pasta and sauce finish together.
Save a little cooking water or sauce to loosen the texture before serving.
Ingredients
- ✓2 tablespoons olive oil
- ✓1 small/medium carrot
- ✓1 small celery stalk
- ✓1 small onion
- ✓10½ ounces ground beef (70-80%)
- ✓10½ ounces ground pork
- ✓½ cup dry red wine
- ✓2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ✓2¼ cups tomato puree (passata)
- ✓2-3 pinches salt
- ✓2 dashes pepper
- ✓1-2 whole bay leaves
- ✓⅓ cup milk (2 % or whole milk)
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Cook until just tender so it holds sauce.
- Sauce: Keep sauce loose enough to coat every piece.
- Cheese or seasoning: Add gradually and taste before serving.
- Reserved liquid: A splash of pasta water can help the sauce turn glossy.
Instructions
- 1
Cut the carrot, celery and onion very fine (but not too much that it becomes pulpy when cooked).
- 2
In a medium to large heavy pot add the olive oil and chopped vegetables, cook covered on low heat (stirring occasionally) until onion is transparent.
- 3
Increase the heat to medium and add the ground beef and pork. Stirring as the meat is cooking to break up the pieces. Once the meat has browned turned the heat up to high and add the wine.
- 4
Cook until the alcohol has evaporated (about 20-30 seconds) and the liquid has evaporated. Decrease the heat to medium/low and add the tomato paste, puree, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Gradually decrease the heat to the lowest setting cover and let simmer for three hours (the mixture should not boil). Stir occasionally.
- 5
After the time has passed remove the bay leaf and add the milk, heat thoroughly for a couple of minutes, taste for salt. Serve over cooked pasta.
Katy’s Kitchen Tips
- Salt the pasta water.
- Cook pasta just until tender.
- Reserve some cooking water.
- Toss pasta and sauce together before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Herb finish: Add parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or chives.
- Spicier version: Increase chili, cayenne, black pepper, or hot sauce.
- Saucy version: Serve with gravy, salsa, pan sauce, or yogurt sauce.
- Meal prep: Use leftovers in bowls, wraps, salads, or sandwiches.
What to Serve With Bolognese Sauce
Serve Bolognese Sauce with garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or extra grated cheese.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheat gently so the center stays tender and the sauce does not dry out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooked pasta: Soft pasta can break and feel heavy.
- Dry sauce: Keep a little water or sauce to loosen the dish.
- Rinsing pasta: Rinsing removes starch that helps sauce cling.
- Serving too late: Pasta thickens as it sits.
FAQ
Can I make Bolognese Sauce ahead?
Yes. Prep or cook ahead, then reheat gently or finish close to serving.
How do I know it is done?
Use the time range plus a thermometer or the doneness sign in the method.
Can I change the seasoning?
Yes. Adjust herbs, spices, heat, or sauce to match your meal.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers airtight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 71 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Sodium: 341 mg
- Sugar: 7 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g