Bolognese Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish, featuring pasta smothered in a rich meat sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. It’s perfect for family dinners!
Honestly, who can resist pasta topped with such a flavorful sauce? I love serving it with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top—it just makes everything better. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Tagliatelle or fettuccine works best for Bolognese. If you’re short on these, use any pasta shape you like—penne or spaghetti are great alternatives.
Ground Beef: A mix of beef and pork adds depth to the dish. If you want a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken can work, too.
White Wine: This ingredient adds richness. If you prefer to skip it, you can use beef broth or just add a splash of more milk to the sauce.
Milk: Whole milk is ideal for creaminess, but you can swap it with low-fat milk or even almond milk for a lighter sauce.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are super convenient, but if you have fresh tomatoes, use them instead! Just chop them up and cook a bit longer to break them down.
How Do I Get my Meat Sauce Extra Flavorful?
Building flavors is key in making a delicious Bolognese. Start by sautéing your aromatic vegetables—onion, carrot, and celery—until soft. This step helps to create a flavorful base.
- Make sure to break up your ground meat as it cooks; this ensures it browns evenly.
- Let the white wine simmer down to concentrate the flavors.
- After adding the tomatoes, be patient! Letting the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes really helps to marry all the flavors together.
Lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning! A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference. Enjoy making your Bolognese Pasta!
How to Make Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (tagliatelle or fettuccine recommended)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian herbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty Bolognese Pasta recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 1 hour to cook, including simmering the sauce. So, in total, you will spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later!
2. Prepare the Base:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté this mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to soften and become fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s aromatic.
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up, cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
If you’re using white wine, pour it into the pan now. This will help lift all the tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it’s mostly evaporated.
5. Add Milk and Tomatoes:
Stir in the whole milk, allowing it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This will help keep the meat tender. Next, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs if you want some extra flavor. Stir everything together well.
6. Simmer the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes. Give it a stir now and then. The longer you let it simmer, the richer the flavor will be. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
7. Combine and Serve:
Once your Bolognese sauce is ready, take the cooked pasta and toss it in the sauce until it’s well coated. Serve your dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious, classic Bolognese Pasta!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While traditional Bolognese uses ground beef, you can substitute it with ground pork, turkey, or even a mix for different flavors. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you choose.
What Can I Use Instead of White Wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can either leave it out entirely or substitute it with beef broth or even a splash of water. This will still give you a flavorful sauce without the alcohol.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, this Bolognese sauce stores well! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just make sure to reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bolognese pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra milk if needed to loosen the sauce.