Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon, cozy socks on, a delicious aroma wafting through my apartment, and me, stirring a pot of what can only be described as pure comfort – homemade Bolognese. This isn’t just any sauce; it’s a rich, savory melody of browned beef, salty pancetta, and tender vegetables simmered to perfection with a splash of wine and a hint of nutmeg. Ready to dive into this classic Italian indulgence with me? 🍝✨

Nothing quite compares to the robust and hearty flavor of Bolognese sauce made from scratch. I adore the way the trio of finely chopped onion, garlic, and carrot provides a savory foundation, and the way the beef and pancetta deepen the sauce’s flavor profile.

My favorite part, though, is the generous hit of dry white wine, which boosts the sauce’s flavor even more.

Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, enhances flavors.
• Onion: Offers natural sweetness and depth, contains antioxidants.
• Garlic: Boosts immune system and adds aromatic intensity.
• Carrot: Provides natural sweetness and essential vitamins.
• Celery: Adds a savory, aromatic base, low in calories.
• Ground Beef: High in protein, adds richness and hearty texture.
• Whole Milk: Contributes creaminess and balances acidity.
• Dry White Wine: Enhances depth and complexity, reduces acidity.
• Tomatoes: Source of vitamin C, provides a tangy, robust flavor.

Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 500g ground beef
• 150g pancetta or bacon, diced
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

How to Make this Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe

1. In a large pot set over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the onion, which you should have finely chopped; the garlic, which you should have minced; and the carrot, which you should have diced. Also add the celery, which you should have cut into very small pieces. Sauté all these vegetables together for 5-7 minutes. The next step will be to add the spices and herbs.

2. Put the bacon or diced pancetta in the pot and cook until it just begins to brown, about 4-5 minutes.

3. Raised the heat to medium-high and then the ground beef added to the pot. Cooked it, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it was browned and no longer pink.

4. Add the whole milk and let it heat through. Then reduce the heat to low and let the saucepan settle into a gentle simmer. Stirting occasionally and watching the heat closely, let the milk almost completely evaporate. About 5 minutes should do it.

5. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer in the pot until it’s mostly evaporated, which should take about 5 minutes.

6. Add the can of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the bay leaf. Stir these into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

7. Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least
1.5 hours, uncovered, and stirring here and there so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Simmering the sauce longer will yield an even deeper and richer flavor.

8. Take out the bay leaf and modify the seasonings with more salt and pepper to your liking.

9. Spoon the Bolognese sauce over your preferred pasta. Add freshly chopped basil or parsley for that extra touch.

10. Before serving, you might try sprinkling a little grated Parmesan cheese on top. Then dig into your delicious, homemade Bolognese!

Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Stove or cooktop

FAQ

• Can I use different meat for the Bolognese sauce?Absolutely, you can swap out the ground beef for a medley of beef and pork, or even go with ground turkey if you want to keep it on the leaner side.
• How can I make this sauce dairy-free?You can replace the whole milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, or you can leave it out completely; just know that the flavor and texture will be different enough that you won’t mistake it for the original.
• Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?For a version suitable for vegetarians, you can still prepare this dish. Simply replace the ground meat with lentils or another plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable stock instead of milk.
• How long can I store homemade Bolognese sauce?An airtight container in the fridge is a good way to store the sauce for a maximum of 3 days; for a longer shelf life, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• What type of pasta pairs best with Bolognese sauce?Bolognese is served traditionally with tagliatelle or fettuccine, but any pasta may be used.
• Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?Certainly! You can enrich the flavor and nutritional punch by adding more vegetables, like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• What is the purpose of using nutmeg in this recipe?The nutmeg adds a warm spice that subtly enhances the depth of flavor in the Bolognese.

Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vegetable oil or butter can be used in place of olive oil.
Ground turkey or ground pork can replace ground beef for a lighter alternative.
Prosciutto or ham can be used in place of pancetta or bacon to give the dish a different flavor profile.
If you want to avoid alcohol, you can substitute chicken broth or beef broth for dry white wine.
Chopped raw tomatoes can replace canned diced tomatoes. For a smoother texture, use tomato puree instead.

Pro Tips

1. Sauté for Depth When sautéing the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, allow them to cook until they are soft and beginning to caramelize. This will add a deeper sweetness and complexity to the sauce.

2. Use High-Quality Meat Opt for high-quality, fresh ground beef with a reasonable fat content (around 15-20%) for the best flavor and texture in your Bolognese. You can even mix beef with a bit of ground pork for a richer taste.

3. Layering Flavors with Herbs In addition to the bay leaf, consider adding a small sprig of fresh thyme or a pinch of dried oregano while simmering. This will complement the existing flavors beautifully.

4. Simmer for Best Results For the richest and most flavorful sauce, let it simmer even longer than 1.5 hours if you have the time. Up to 3 hours will enable the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure it doesn’t dry out by adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

5. Finish with Freshness Just before serving, stir in a small knob of butter to give the sauce a silky finish. A splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice or balsamic vinegar can also brighten and balance the flavors right before serving.