Description
This classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce recipe is a rich and hearty Italian meat sauce perfect for pasta. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork sausage, simmered slowly with tomatoes, red wine, aromatic vegetables, and herbs, it delivers deep, comforting flavors ideal for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 lb pork sausage
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 28 oz canned whole or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, grated carrot, and diced celery. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant, forming the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Brown the meats: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef and pork sausage to the pot. Cook the meat mixture, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon, until it is fully browned and cooked through, ensuring even cooking and developing depth of flavor.
- Add garlic and tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about a minute. Then add the canned tomatoes along with their juices to the pot, mixing everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom for extra flavor. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors.
- Finish with milk and seasonings: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the milk or cream to add richness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil to taste. Stir well and allow it to finish cooking briefly before serving.
Notes
- Using a mix of ground beef and pork sausage adds great flavor and texture to the sauce.
- Simmering the sauce slowly allows flavors to deepen and meat to become tender.
- The milk or cream at the end softens the acidity and enriches the sauce for a silky finish.
- Serve over your favorite pasta such as tagliatelle, fettuccine, or pappardelle for an authentic experience.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
