Bolognese Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! This charming dish features tasty ground meat cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, served over your favorite pasta.
The best part? It’s super easy to make! I love topping it with cheese and enjoying every slurp. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or tagliatelle are great choices for Bolognese. If you prefer, you can swap in spaghetti, pappardelle, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your needs.
Ground Meat: Traditional Bolognese uses beef, but a mix of beef and pork adds more flavor. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well. You can go veggie with lentils or mushrooms if you prefer a plant-based dish.
Wine: White wine adds depth to the sauce. If you want to skip it, just use more broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity. It still tastes fantastic!
Milk/Cream: This ingredient gives richness to the sauce. You can use oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option; just opt for the unsweetened versions.
How Do You Achieve a Rich and Flavorful Bolognese Sauce?
The key to a great Bolognese lies in cooking the meat and vegetables properly! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a base of finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery (known as soffritto). Cook them slowly to develop their natural sweetness.
- Add garlic near the end of cooking the vegetables so it doesn’t burn and becomes bitter.
- After browning the meat, let the white wine simmer; this enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmering time! Let it cook at a low heat for at least 30 minutes; this melds all flavors beautifully.
- Finish the sauce with milk or cream to get that creamy, dreamy texture.
By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious Bolognese that will impress anyone! Enjoy!
How to Make Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (120ml) beef or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Bolognese Pasta takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 45 minutes to cook, making the total time about 1 hour. While it takes a bit of time to simmer and develop flavors, the result is totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Begin by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or tagliatelle and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. They form the base of your sauce!
3. Adding Garlic and Meat:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute. Now it’s time to crank up the heat! Increase to medium-high and add the ground beef (or your chosen meat). Season with salt and pepper. Cook the meat until it’s browned and there’s no pink remaining, making sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Simmering with Wine (Optional):
If you opted for the wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing it to reduce mostly. This adds great flavor to your sauce!
5. Adding Tomatoes and Herbs:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Add the dried oregano and thyme. Lower the heat, cover, and let it gently simmer for about 30-45 minutes. This slow cooking melds all the flavors together fantastically!
6. Finishing the Sauce:
After simmering, stir in the milk or heavy cream to enrich your sauce. Let it simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes to combine everything beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Combining Pasta and Sauce:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce in the skillet until well coated. This is where the magic happens!
8. Serving:
Serve your delicious Bolognese Pasta immediately! Sprinkle it with chopped fresh parsley and generous amounts of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. It’s ready to be enjoyed!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Bolognese Pasta! 🍝
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and will work well in this recipe. It might yield a slightly lighter flavor, so consider adding a bit more seasoning to enhance the taste.
Can I Make This Bolognese Sauce Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground meat with a mix of lentils and finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. You can still follow the same cooking steps, and it will be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Bolognese Pasta?
Store any leftover Bolognese pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to help moisten it if needed.
Can I Freeze the Bolognese Sauce?
Yes! The Bolognese sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.