Beef Bolognese

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, it doesn’t get much better than a rich, hearty plate of Beef Bolognese. This classic Italian sauce, simmered slowly to develop those deep, complex flavors, is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day or impress your guests with a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. There’s something magical about how just a handful of ingredients—beef, tomatoes, herbs, and a splash of wine—come together to create such a flavorful sauce. And the best part? It pairs beautifully with just about any type of pasta.

This dish holds a special place in my heart because it’s been a family favorite for years. I remember my mom making it on Sundays, letting it simmer all afternoon while the house filled with the most amazing smells. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.

Once you try this Beef Bolognese, I’m sure it’ll quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods, too. It’s simple to make, but the flavors are so rich and satisfying that it feels like a special treat every time. So, let’s get cooking and make this cozy, delicious meal together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Bolognese isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the technique. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, making this dish something truly special. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: Simmering the beef with tomatoes, wine, and aromatics creates a sauce that is rich and savory, with layers of flavor.
• Versatile: While traditionally served with pasta, you can also use Bolognese as a filling for lasagna or even serve it over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
• Make Ahead: The sauce actually tastes better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for a stress-free dinner.
• Hearty & Filling: This dish is the perfect balance of meaty goodness and rich sauce, leaving you full and satisfied.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fat: 20g, Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional but recommended)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
• Pasta (tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti work best)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables

• Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

2. Brown the Meat

• Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
• Season the Meat: Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine.

3. Add Liquids

• Pour in the Milk: Slowly add the milk or cream, stirring until it’s fully absorbed. This step helps tenderize the meat and adds richness to the sauce.
• Add Wine (Optional): Pour in the red wine and allow it to cook off for about 5 minutes. The alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind a deep, robust flavor.
• Stir in Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.

4. Simmer the Sauce

• Slow Cook: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become rich and flavorful.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.

5. Cook the Pasta

• Prepare Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, save a cup of pasta water to help thicken the sauce, if needed.

6. Toss & Serve

• Combine: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is ready, toss the pasta with the Bolognese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
• Serve: Serve the pasta topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

How to Serve

Beef Bolognese is traditionally served with a wide pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle, which holds up well to the thick, hearty sauce. However, you can also serve it with spaghetti, rigatoni, or any other pasta shape you prefer. Here are some ideas for serving:

1. Classic Pasta: Serve the Bolognese sauce on top of your favorite pasta and garnish with fresh Parmesan and basil.
2. Lasagna: Use the Bolognese as a filling for homemade lasagna for a comforting and satisfying meal.
3. Over Mashed Potatoes: For an even heartier meal, serve the Bolognese over creamy mashed potatoes.
4. With Crusty Bread: Pair with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Beef Bolognese:

1. Simmer Slowly: The longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavor. If you have time, let it cook for 2-3 hours to develop an even richer flavor.
2. Use High-Quality Beef: Choose lean beef for a good balance of flavor and texture, but feel free to mix in some pork or veal for an even richer sauce.
3. Don’t Rush the Browning: Browning the beef properly is essential for building flavor, so be patient and make sure the meat is browned well.
4. Make Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey Bolognese: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of the sauce while keeping all the flavor.
• Vegetarian Bolognese: Swap the beef for lentils or finely chopped mushrooms to create a delicious meatless version.
• Spicy Bolognese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Herb Variations: Add a fresh bay leaf or some rosemary for a more aromatic twist.

Freezing and Storage

This Beef Bolognese is perfect for meal prepping or freezing:

• Storage: Keep leftover Bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Special Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to simmer the sauce. A good chef’s knife for chopping vegetables and a pasta pot for cooking your pasta will also be helpful.

FAQ Section

If you’re new to making Beef Bolognese or just want to make sure you’re getting everything right, here’s a helpful FAQ section with answers to some of the most common questions. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage, or making the recipe ahead of time, you’ll find all the details here!

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. In fact, the flavors continue to develop and deepen, making it even better the next day.
• Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
  Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor might be a bit lighter, but you can make up for that by adding extra herbs or seasoning.
• What’s the best type of pasta to serve with Bolognese?
  While you can use any pasta, wider noodles like tagliatelle, pappardelle, or fettuccine work best because they hold the rich sauce. But spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne are all good choices too!
• Can I make this in a slow cooker?
  Yes, you can! After browning the beef and vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, and you’ll have a hands-off Bolognese that’s just as flavorful.
• Can I freeze Beef Bolognese?
  Yes! This sauce freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

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Conclusion

Beef Bolognese is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug—rich, comforting, and packed with deep, savory flavors. It’s a perfect recipe for when you’re in the mood for something satisfying and hearty. Yes, it takes a little time to prepare, but trust me, every step is worth it. Slowly simmering the beef, tomatoes, wine, and spices creates a sauce that’s bursting with flavor, and when it’s paired with pasta, it’s absolute perfection.

Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy night in or impressing guests, this classic Italian dish will transport everyone straight to the heart of Italy. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy that mouthwatering Bolognese!