Italian Bolognese

Italian Bolognese, or Ragù alla Bolognese, is a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce originating from Bologna, Italy. It is traditionally made with a base of finely chopped soffritto (onion, celery, carrot), ground beef and pork, tomatoes, and wine, and is most famously served with tagliatelle pasta rather than spaghetti.

🍳 View the full Italian Bolognese recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a balanced source of protein from the meat and carbohydrates from the pasta, with a moderate amount of fat. A typical serving provides a good amount of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, and generally contains around 500-700 calories per plate.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	250 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	15 g
Fat	12 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	600 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Vitamin A	80 mcg
Vitamin C	8 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Zinc	3.0 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Authentic Bolognese is a very meat-forward sauce with minimal tomato, a stark contrast to many international versions. The traditional recipe's slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld deeply, creating a complex and savory profile that is a cornerstone of Italian culinary heritage.