Description
Make this rich and hearty Classic Bolognese Sauce on a busy weeknight. This simple recipe delivers authentic Italian flavor that your family will love, perfect over pasta or in lasagna.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with broth)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (like spaghetti or tagliatelle)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- If using, pour in the red wine and let it simmer until it mostly evaporates, about 3 minutes. This step adds depth to your **authentic Italian meat sauce**.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let the **bolognese sauce** simmer for at least 45 minutes, or up to 1.5 hours for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve the **rich tomato meat sauce** generously over your cooked pasta.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, substitute half the ground beef with ground pork or veal.
- If you are making this for **lasagna meat sauce recipe** later, skip the simmering liquid slightly to keep it thicker.
- This sauce freezes well. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups sauce with 2 oz dry pasta
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 85