original bolognese recipe
The Best original bolognese recipe
I love this recipe because it’s versatile. You can serve it with fresh pasta, zucchini noodles, or even crusty bread if you’re in a hurry. It’s also surprisingly healthy for how indulgent it tastes—lean ground beef (or turkey) mixed with tomatoes, onions, and herbs means it’s packed with protein and vitamins. The key is balancing the richness with bright, acidic flavors from the tomatoes and a touch of acidity at the end, so it doesn’t feel too heavy. And because it’s made in one pot, it’s a stress-free way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. My kids still ask for it sometimes, even when they’re older, because it’s the kind of meal that feels like a comfort no matter how old you get.
Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce
A rich, slow-cooked tomato-based sauce perfect for pasta, served over fresh spaghetti or lasagna noodles. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup whole tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Brown the meat mixture in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small, even crumbles. Add onions, garlic, carrot, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. -
2
Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15 minutes. -
3
Reduce heat to low, add crushed tomatoes, whole tomato sauce, water, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
4
Once the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove the bay leaf. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any large bits or seeds. -
5
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Let it cool before serving.
🔧Equipment
- Large Dutch oven
- Potato masher or immersion blender
- Wooden spoon
- Fine-mesh strainer
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bolognese Sauce
How long should I simmer the meat and vegetables before adding the sauce?
Simmer the meat and vegetables in a pot for about 15–20 minutes until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft. This step breaks down the fibers and infuses the sauce with rich flavors before you add the sauce base.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey works well, but it will be slightly leaner and may require a bit more browning to compensate for its lower fat content. Brown the turkey thoroughly before adding it to the pot to maximize flavor.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it turns out too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, reduce it by simmering it uncovered on low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can stir in a small amount of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (mixed with cold water) to help thicken it naturally.
Should I add the cheese at the end or mix it in during the cooking process?
For the classic texture, add the cheese at the end—just before serving. Stirring it in too early can make the sauce too soft. If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can fold it in later, but the dish will be richer and slightly less traditional.
