Bolognese Pasta is a hearty dish featuring tender pasta smothered in a rich meat sauce. Made with savory ground beef, tomatoes, and a hint of Italian herbs, it’s comfort food at its best!
This dish is perfect for cozy dinners and always gets a thumbs up from everyone. I love making a big batch; leftovers are even better the next day! Who can resist a second helping? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Tagliatelle or fettuccine are classic choices for Bolognese. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta for a healthy twist.
Ground Meat: I recommend a mix of ground beef and pork for added flavor. If you prefer a lighter dish, ground turkey also works well. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms.
Wine: Dry white wine adds depth but can be skipped. Use extra stock or a splash of vinegar for acidity instead. Sometimes, I like using chicken stock to soften the flavors.
Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes create a wonderful base. If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to dice them up! You could also use tomato sauce in a pinch.
How Do I Make Sure My Bolognese Sauce is Flavorful?
The secret to a great Bolognese sauce is slow cooking! This allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
- Start by sautéing your vegetables until they’re soft. This builds a tasty base.
- Don’t rush browning the meat. Let it cook evenly to develop a nice crust.
- After adding the wine, be patient while it reduces to intensify the flavor.
- Let your sauce simmer. The longer, the better—aim for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
With a little patience, you’ll have a deliciously rich Bolognese sauce that everyone will love!
How to Make Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 400g (14 oz) tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 150ml (2/3 cup) dry white wine (optional)
- 400ml (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 125ml (½ cup) beef or chicken stock
- 125ml (½ cup) whole milk
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bolognese Pasta recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40-50 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour to serve a tasty, homemade meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta (tagliatelle or fettuccine) and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these vibrant veggies until they’re soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This mix is called soffritto and adds a great base flavor!
3. Add Garlic and Meat:
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or your chosen meat blend). Cook this while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s nicely browned all over.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and let it simmer until it reduces by half. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce!
5. Create the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock. Mix everything well to combine.
6. Add Milk and Herbs:
Next, reduce the heat to low and add the milk, dried oregano, and basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This combination helps create a creamy texture and balances the flavors.
7. Simmer:
Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce thickens. You can also taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Combine with Pasta:
Once your sauce is ready, toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce in the pan. Make sure the pasta is well-coated with the delicious sauce.
9. Serve with Love:
Serve your Bolognese Pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, basil leaves, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Isn’t it beautiful?
Enjoy your authentic, hearty Bolognese Pasta! Buon Appetito! 🍝
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While tagliatelle and fettuccine are traditional choices, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free varieties. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
Can I Store Leftover Bolognese Pasta?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens up.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the Bolognese sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to deepen even more!
What Can I Use Instead of White Wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with additional beef or chicken stock or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for some acidity. It will still taste amazing without the wine!
