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Classic Bolognese Sauce
5 from 69 votes

Classic Bolognese Sauce

Classic Bolognese Sauce blends ground sausage and beef with aromatic vegetables and a mix of tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and liquids including beef broth, white wine, and milk. It simmers slowly, allowing the flavors to develop into a rich, hearty meat sauce. Optional fresh herbs add brightness though the sauce retains a traditional taste.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 676 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Italian

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. Add in onion, carrot, and celery and cook another 5 to 7 minutes until onions are soft and meat is cooked through.
  3. Add in garlic and tomato paste and garlic and cook 2 minutes, until tomato paste starts to toast.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 676

% 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.