Embrace the flavors of Italy with this homemade bolognese sauce. Rich, hearty, and loaded with ground meat and vegetables, it's a comforting and satisfying sauce that's perfect for a cozy night in.
Photos of Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe
While the ingredients for this homemade bolognese sauce are fairly common, there are a couple that may not be a staple in your pantry. The recipe calls for ground beef and ground pork, two types of meat that contribute to the sauce’s hearty texture and rich flavor. If you don’t normally have these, be sure to pick them up from the supermarket. Additionally, this recipe uses whole tomatoes, which impart a fresher and more vibrant taste than canned or diced tomatoes.
Ingredients for Homemade Bolognese Sauce
Olive oil: This is used for sautéing the vegetables and meat. Its flavor is mild and it can withstand high cooking temperatures.
Garlic: Adds a distinctive flavor and aroma to the sauce.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory depth to the sauce.
Carrot: Adds sweetness and color to the sauce.
Celery: Provides a subtle, earthy flavor.
Ground beef: The main source of protein, it also adds richness to the sauce.
Ground pork: Complements the beef with its own unique flavor.
Red wine: Enhances the flavor of the sauce and tenderizes the meat.
Whole milk: Adds a touch of creaminess to the sauce.
Whole tomatoes: The base of the sauce, they bring a fresh and tangy flavor.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle bitterness to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat to the sauce.
Pappardelle: A type of pasta that is thick and hearty, perfect for holding onto the sauce.
One reader, Garland Blackman says:
This homemade bolognese sauce recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and savory, and the texture is perfect. It's a family favorite in our house. The combination of ingredients creates a delicious and comforting meal. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Homemade Bolognese Sauce
How to brown the meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and pork over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat before adding the meat to the sauce.
How to simmer the wine: After adding the wine to the skillet, allow it to simmer until it is mostly evaporated, which should take about 7 to 9 minutes. This will help concentrate the flavors of the sauce.
How to simmer the milk: Once the wine has evaporated, add the milk to the skillet and allow it to simmer until it is mostly evaporated, about 6 to 7 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the meat and adds richness to the sauce.
How to cook the pasta: Follow the package instructions to cook the pappardelle until al dente. This typically involves boiling the pasta in salted water for a specific amount of time, then draining it. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining.
How to toss the pasta with the sauce: After draining the cooked pasta, toss it with the bolognese sauce in a large pot or serving bowl. Add some of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed, ensuring that the pasta is well coated.
How to serve: Serve the homemade bolognese sauce over the cooked pappardelle, and top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finishing touch. Enjoy!
How To Make Homemade Bolognese Sauce
Make your own homemade bolognese sauce with our wonderful recipe! This rich tomato-and-meat sauce is perfect for all kinds of pasta dishes like lasagna.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- 4clovesgarliccrushed
- 1onionfinely diced
- 1carrotfinely diced
- 1ribceleryfinely diced
- 1lbground beef
- ½ lbground pork
- 1 ¼cupsred wineor beef broth
- 1cupwhole milk
- 28ozwhole tomatoeswith juice
- 4tbsptomato paste
- 1tspItalian Seasoning
- 1bay leaf
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tspblack pepper
- pappardelleor tagliatelle, or any long pasta
Instructions
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Over medium heat, cook onion in olive oil for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it starts to soften.
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Add garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until softened.
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Add ground beef and pork. Brown until no pink remains, then drain fat.
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Add wine and simmer until evaporated for about 7 to 9 minutes. Add milk and simmer until evaporated for about 6 to 7 minutes.
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Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and the tomatoes with juice. Break tomatoes up with a spoon.
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Cover and simmer 30 minutes or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Then drain, reserving 1 ½ cups of pasta water.
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Toss pasta with the bolognese sauce, adding pasta water to thin out if needed.
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Serve hot with parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
To store your homemade bolognese sauce, place in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. If storing in the freezer, leave about an inch for expansion, or simply place in a zippered freezer bag. Your sauce will be good for around 2 to 3 months. To reheat, first defrost in the refrigerator, then heat on the stovetop or in a microwave, stirring every 15 to 20 seconds, until it’s heated through.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1703.99kcal
- Fat: 117.62g
- Saturated Fat: 42.93g
- Trans Fat: 0.89g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 53.21g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.82g
- Carbohydrates: 20.51g
- Fiber: 4.56g
- Sugar: 9.68g
- Protein: 93.32g
- Cholesterol: 384.33mg
- Sodium: 2314.68mg
- Calcium: 221.76mg
- Potassium: 2348.29mg
- Iron: 8.32mg
- Vitamin A: 153.14µg
- Vitamin C: 25.28mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Homemade Bolognese Sauce
When making your bolognese sauce, it's crucial to let the wine and milk evaporate completely before moving on to the next step. This process allows the alcohol to cook off, leaving behind a rich and concentrated flavor. Similarly, allowing the milk to evaporate ensures that the sauce doesn't become too thin or watery. Remember, patience is key when creating a robust and flavorful bolognese.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Bolognese Sauce
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Use a large, deep skillet or pot to cook the sauce and pasta together, saving time on cleanup.
Freeze leftovers: Make a double batch and freeze the extra sauce for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Multitask: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta and prepare any side dishes to maximize efficiency.
Quality ingredients: Use high-quality canned tomatoes and fresh herbs for a more flavorful sauce.
Efficient chopping: Use a food processor to quickly chop the onions, carrots, and celery for the sauce.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in cooking.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and can be used as a healthier option in the bolognese sauce.
ground pork - Substitute with ground veal: Ground veal has a similar texture and mild flavor to ground pork, making it a good substitute in bolognese sauce.
red wine - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can add depth and flavor to the sauce, similar to red wine, without the alcohol content.
whole milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the bolognese sauce, serving as a dairy-free alternative to whole milk.
whole tomatoes - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes can be used as a convenient substitute for whole tomatoes, providing a similar texture and flavor to the sauce.
pappardelle - Substitute with tagliatelle: Tagliatelle is a suitable substitute for pappardelle, as both are wide, flat pasta shapes that work well with bolognese sauce.
Presenting Your Homemade Bolognese Sauce
Elevate the plating: When presenting the homemade bolognese sauce, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the pappardelle and bolognese sauce. The pasta should be neatly twirled and placed in the center of the bowl, with the bolognese sauce generously spooned over the top.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Sprinkle it over the top of the bolognese sauce just before serving to add a pop of vibrant green and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
Incorporate a Parmesan crisp: Elevate the dish by adding a delicate Parmesan crisp as a finishing touch. Create a lacy, thin Parmesan crisp by melting grated Parmesan cheese in a non-stick pan until it forms a golden, crispy disc. Place the Parmesan crisp delicately on top of the bolognese sauce for an elegant and sophisticated presentation.
Consider the use of edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance and beauty to the dish by delicately placing a few edible flowers on the plate. Choose edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums to add a subtle floral note and a visually stunning element to the presentation.
Focus on symmetry and balance: Pay attention to the placement of the elements on the plate, aiming for symmetry and balance. The pasta and sauce should be arranged thoughtfully, ensuring that the presentation is visually appealing and harmonious.
Use high-quality dinnerware: Select elegant, high-quality dinnerware to serve the dish. Opt for a sophisticated, minimalist design that allows the vibrant colors of the bolognese sauce and the pasta to take center stage, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Bolognese Sauce at Home
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for sautéing and frying.
- Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for making sauces and boiling liquids.
- Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged holes used to shred or grate ingredients like cheese or vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for recipes.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining foods such as pasta or rinsing vegetables.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush garlic cloves, extracting the pulp and juices.
- Large pot: A deep cooking vessel with a lid, used for boiling, simmering, or stewing larger quantities of food.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Bolognese Sauce
- Allow the bolognese sauce to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To freeze the sauce:
- Divide the cooled sauce into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and amount of sauce.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for easier storage.
- Bolognese sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen bolognese sauce:
- Transfer the frozen sauce from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
- Alternatively, you can thaw the sauce in the microwave using the defrost setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even thawing.
- To reheat the sauce:
- Place the thawed sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Stir the sauce occasionally as it warms up to prevent scorching.
- If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of water, broth, or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Heat the sauce until it is steaming hot and bubbling gently. Avoid boiling the sauce, as this can cause the meat to become tough.
- Serve the reheated bolognese sauce over freshly cooked pasta, and enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!
How To Reheat Leftover Bolognese Sauce
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover bolognese sauce to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out. This method allows you to control the consistency and ensures even heating throughout.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of bolognese sauce in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat the sauce in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as it may cause the meat to become tough and rubbery.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover bolognese sauce to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of sauce to reheat and want to ensure even heating.
Slow cooker method: if you have a slow cooker, you can use it to reheat your bolognese sauce. Simply transfer the sauce to the slow cooker and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is perfect for those who want to reheat the sauce without much hands-on attention.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the sauce well before serving to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed. If you find that the sauce has thickened too much during storage, you can always add a bit of pasta water, beef broth, or water to thin it out and restore its original consistency.
Random Fact About Bolognese Sauce
The Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian meat-based sauce that originated in Bologna, Italy. It is traditionally served with flat pasta such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or fettuccine. This sauce is known for its rich and hearty flavor, and it is a staple in Italian cuisine. It's interesting to note that authentic Bolognese sauce does not include garlic, herbs, or other seasonings commonly found in other tomato-based pasta sauces. Instead, it relies on the natural flavors of the meat, vegetables, and tomatoes to create its delicious taste.
Is Making Bolognese Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this bolognese sauce recipe largely depends on the quality of ingredients used. While the use of ground beef and pork may increase the cost, the recipe's yield can provide multiple servings, making it suitable for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people may range from $20-$25, considering the use of fresh vegetables, meat, and pasta. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, as it offers a hearty and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed over multiple sittings, making it a cost-effective option for a family.
Is Homemade Bolognese Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade bolognese sauce recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to several factors:
- The recipe includes a significant amount of red meat (ground beef and pork), which is high in saturated fat and can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- The use of whole milk and olive oil adds additional fat to the dish, increasing its calorie content.
- The recipe does not include a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace some or all of the ground beef and pork with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
- Use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk to decrease the overall fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the sauce by adding more carrots, celery, and other nutrient-dense options like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Use whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta instead of traditional pappardelle to increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the dish.
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe and consider using more herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without relying on sodium.
Editor's Thoughts on This Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe
The homemade bolognese sauce recipe is a classic and comforting dish that showcases the rich flavors of the meat and tomato sauce. The combination of ground beef and pork, simmered with red wine and milk, creates a luscious and savory sauce. The addition of aromatic vegetables and Italian seasoning adds depth to the flavor profile. Tossed with pappardelle and finished with Parmesan cheese, this dish is a delightful indulgence. The recipe's methodical approach ensures a well-developed and robust sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. It's a timeless favorite that promises to satisfy and impress.
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Why trust this Homemade Bolognese Sauce Recipe:
This homemade bolognese sauce recipe is a testament to tradition and flavor. The combination of ground beef and pork creates a rich and hearty base, while the addition of red wine and whole milk infuses a depth of taste that sets this recipe apart. The use of whole tomatoes and tomato paste ensures a robust and authentic Italian flavor. The careful balance of Italian seasoning and bay leaf adds complexity, making this bolognese sauce a standout. Trust in the time-honored techniques and quality ingredients to deliver a truly exceptional dining experience.
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