Bolognese sauce (Ragù alla Bolognese)
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Ragù alla Bolognese is a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce originating from Bologna, Italy, traditionally made with a soffritto base (onion, carrot, celery), ground beef and/or pork, tomatoes, wine, and milk or cream for tenderness. It's famously served with fresh egg pasta like tagliatelle, not spaghetti, and is the heart of the classic dish pasta al ragù.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This sauce is primarily a source of protein and fat from the meat and dairy, with moderate carbohydrates from the vegetables and tomatoes. A typical serving (about 1/2 cup) provides around 200-300 calories, along with iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the meat.
💡 What's interesting
Authentic Bolognese is a meat-forward sauce with minimal tomato, distinguishing it from many international 'meat sauces,' and its slow simmering (often hours) allows flavors to meld deeply, making it a cornerstone of Italian Sunday family meals.