Classic Bolognese Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
676 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Italian
Classic Bolognese Sauce
Description
Classic Bolognese Sauce combines sweet Italian sausage and lean ground beef browned together before adding diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Tomato paste is toasted briefly to deepen its flavor, then the sauce includes crushed tomatoes, white wine, beef broth, and milk to create a layered, creamy texture. The sauce simmers covered for one to four hours, thickening and developing rich meat and tomato flavors. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano can be stirred in optionally, though the recipe also stands well without them. This sauce works well served with pasta or as a base for dishes like lasagna and pairs with sides that can soak up its robust character.
The slow simmering allows the sauce to meld the acidity of the tomatoes with the savory depth of the meats and broth. Stir occasionally and adjust salt and pepper toward the end to achieve your preferred balance.
For fitting with different kitchen tools, the sauce can be adapted for the Instant Pot or slow cooker following the outlined adaptations to sear meats and vegetables first, then cook in the appliance for the specified times, making the recipe accessible for various cooking preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage ground
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 large white onion diced
- 1/4 cup carrot minced
- 1/4 cup celery minced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (6 ounce can) tomato paste
- 1 (28 ounce can) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup basil optional, chopped, fresh
- 1/4 cup parsley optional, chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon oregano optional, dried
- 1 cup milk whole
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add in ground sausage and ground beef. Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Brown 5 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add in onion, carrot, and celery and cook another 5 to 7 minutes until onions are soft and meat is cooked through.
- Add in garlic and tomato paste and garlic and cook 2 minutes, until tomato paste starts to toast.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, white wine, beef broth, and milk. Stir in fresh basil, parsley, and oregano (if using) and season with salt and pepper. Herbs are optional for additional flavor, but not a part of traditional bolognese sauce.
- Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, 1 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Flavors will continue to develop the longer you allow the sauce to simmer, so simmer for up to 4 hours if time permits.
- Taste and add more salt and pepper to suit personal taste preference.
Notes
- When simmering on the stove, allow the sauce to cook for at least one hour and up to four to develop deeper flavor.
- Optional fresh herbs can be added or omitted according to taste preferences.
- For cooker convenience, this sauce can be made in an Instant Pot or slow cooker by searing meats and vegetables first, then cooking with liquids and seasonings as indicated.
- Adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking to suit your taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 676 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 676kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 133g | 44% |
| Protein | 43g | 86% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 38mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 3145mg | 131% |
| Potassium | 5812mg | 124% |
| Fiber | 33g | 132% |
| Sugar | 81g | 162% |
| Vitamin A | 5834IU | 117% |
| Vitamin C | 163mg | 181% |
| Calcium | 592mg | 59% |
| Iron | 24mg | 133% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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