Meat Sauce Bolognese
Rich, hearty, and deeply comforting, Meat Sauce Bolognese is the ultimate Italian classic for pasta lovers. This slow-simmered sauce combines tender beef and pork with aromatic vegetables, red wine, and tomatoes for a flavor-packed dish that’s pure perfection.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a cozy night in, this Bolognese is the answer to effortless indulgence. Its long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a sauce that’s both luxurious and rustic—a true labor of love.
Serve it over your favorite pasta, and you’ll have a meal that feels both gourmet and approachable. Perfect for making ahead or savoring fresh, this dish transforms humble ingredients into something spectacular.
Meat Sauce Bolognese: Ingredients That Bring Depth and Flavor
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The velvety foundation that enhances the dish’s richness while coaxing out the natural sweetness of the aromatics.
- Yellow Onion, Carrot, and Celery: A classic trio delivering aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the robust flavors of the sauce.
- Ground Beef and Pork: A hearty blend of proteins that lend texture and a savory base to this comforting dish.
- Dry Red Wine: A touch of acidity that elevates and harmonizes the rich, meaty profile.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing tangy brightness and a luscious consistency.
- Bay Leaves and Red Pepper Flakes: A fragrant infusion of herbal warmth and a hint of heat to awaken the palate.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Meat Sauce Bolognese
- Take Your Time with Simmering
The key to a flavorful Bolognese lies in patience. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least two hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow cooking process melds the flavors, deepens the sauce’s color, and enhances its richness. - Choose the Right Ground Meat
Using a mix of ground beef and pork creates a balanced flavor and tender texture. If you’re experimenting with alternatives like ground turkey or lamb, adjust the seasoning and cooking time slightly to maintain the sauce’s depth. - Layer Your Flavors
Don’t rush the initial steps of sautéing the onion, carrot, and celery. This aromatic base sets the tone for the sauce. Similarly, cooking the tomato paste briefly before adding liquid enhances its sweetness and reduces acidity, giving the sauce a smoother finish.
What to Serve with Meat Sauce Bolognese
- Classic Spaghetti or Tagliatelle
Pair this rich sauce with a hearty pasta like tagliatelle or spaghetti. The long strands hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated in meaty goodness. - Garlic Bread
A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of the sauce. Its crispy exterior and soft center complement the hearty Bolognese flavors. - Simple Green Salad
A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the dish’s richness. Use arugula, spinach, or mixed greens to add a crisp, fresh element to your meal.
FAQ about Meat Sauce Bolognese
- Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. - Can I make it without wine?
Yes, you can substitute wine with beef broth or vegetable stock. However, the wine adds a layer of acidity that enhances the depth of the sauce. - What’s the best pasta for Bolognese?
Traditional tagliatelle is ideal, but you can also use pappardelle, spaghetti, or rigatoni. Choose pasta with enough surface area to hold the thick sauce. - How can I make this sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for the final 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid. Avoid adding flour or cornstarch, as it may alter the sauce’s texture and flavor.
Meat Sauce Bolognese
Rich, hearty, and deeply comforting, Meat Sauce Bolognese is the ultimate Italian classic for pasta lovers. This slow-simmered sauce combines tender beef and pork with aromatic vegetables, red wine, and tomatoes for a flavor-packed dish that’s pure perfection.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium carrot peeled and finely shredded (approximately 1/2 cup)
- 1 medium yellow onion finely minced (approximately 1 cup)
- 2 ribs celery finely chopped (approximately 1/2 cup)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry red wine or broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 bay leaves
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups hot water or as required
Instructions
- Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven with a 3- to 4-quart capacity, placed over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Season lightly with salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 4 minutes.
- Introduce the ground beef and pork into the pan, crumbling the meat as you stir. Continue cooking until the meat is lightly browned, which should take around 10 minutes. Once browned, remove the pan from the heat momentarily, and use a crumpled paper towel to absorb any excess fat, if necessary.
- Return the pan to the heat. Pour in the red wine or broth, stirring thoroughly to deglaze the pan and release any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the liquid to simmer and evaporate, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes to deepen its flavor.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and toss in the bay leaves. Lightly season the mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Increase the heat to bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce it to maintain a lively simmer. Cover the pan partially and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and develops a deep, rich color. This process may take 2 to 3 hours, though a minimum of 1 hour is sufficient for a flavorful result.
- While simmering, add hot water in small increments as needed to keep the meat and vegetables submerged. Toward the end of cooking, you may notice a layer of oil on the surface of the sauce; this can either be skimmed off with a spoon or stirred back into the mixture to enhance its richness.
- Serve this hearty sauce over your preferred pasta, and enjoy its robust and comforting flavors.
