🍽️ FittestMe.aiFoodsNutrients

Italian Bolognese sauce Recipe

Italian · Main course · 200 min total

A rich, slow-cooked meat sauce from Bologna, Italy, traditionally served with tagliatelle or pappardelle. This recipe builds deep flavor with a soffritto base, wine, and milk.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes (or passata)
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots; cook until soft, about 10 minutes.
2. Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef and pork. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned, about 8 minutes.
3. Pour in wine and stir, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until wine has mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes.
4. Add milk and simmer until mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and cook, partially covered, for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve over fresh pasta with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Tips

• For best flavor, use a mix of beef and pork; veal can be substituted for pork.
• The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Traditional Bolognese is not served with spaghetti; use tagliatelle, pappardelle, or lasagna.
• Stirring occasionally prevents sticking; a heavy-bottomed pot helps.

More about Italian Bolognese sauce →

AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms