Pasta Bolognese is a warm and hearty dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your table. It’s made with savory ground meat, rich tomatoes, and a mix of herbs that create a mouthwatering sauce.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners and will make your kitchen smell amazing! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—after all, a little extra cheese never hurts! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I use penne for its ridged surface, which holds the sauce nicely. You can also swap it with spaghetti, rigatoni, or any pasta you have on hand.
Ground Meat: While I usually go for ground beef, a mixture of beef and pork is great for added flavor. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or lentils can also work well for a meatless version.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its rich flavor. If you’re out, other cooking oils like canola or vegetable oil can substitute, though they won’t add the same taste.
Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes create a smooth sauce, but you could use diced tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes when in season. Just chop them up and keep in mind you might need to adjust cooking time.
Red Wine: I recommend dry red wine for depth, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, replace it with broth or a splash of vinegar for some acidity.
How do I Get the Most Flavor from My Sauce?
The key to a great Bolognese sauce is simmering. This step allows all the ingredients to meld and flavors to deepen:
- Start by cooking your vegetables slowly in olive oil to really bring out their flavors before adding meat.
- Don’t rush the browning of your meat; it adds a nice depth of flavor. Cook until nicely browned.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30-40 minutes. This gradual cooking breaks down the meat and enhances the sauce.
A final tip: Stir in milk or cream towards the end to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, giving it that creamy texture we love. Enjoy your cooking! 🍝
Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 400g (14 oz) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 150ml (2/3 cup) dry red wine
- 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil (or a handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 100ml (1/3 cup) whole milk or cream
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pasta Bolognese recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 30-40 minutes to cook. So set aside around an hour to enjoy the process of making this comforting dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these vegetables until they are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking.
3. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or your preferred meat mix) to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it up while cooking. Cook until the meat is browned all over and no longer pink, which will take about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add Wine:
Pour in the dry red wine and let it simmer, allowing it to reduce and most of the liquid to evaporate, approximately 5 minutes. This will enhance the sauce’s flavor.
5. Mix in Tomatoes and Herbs:
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and dried basil. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the magic begins!
6. Simmer the Sauce:
Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer gently without a lid for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure everything cooks evenly.
7. Add Milk or Cream:
Just before finishing, stir in the whole milk or cream. This step will make your sauce rich and creamy while mellowing out the acidity from the tomatoes. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce and toss everything together well so the pasta is well-coated with the Bolognese sauce.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Dish up your pasta Bolognese hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves, and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your classic Italian Pasta Bolognese!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef, you can mix it with ground pork for extra flavor. Alternatively, ground turkey or lentils are great options for a lighter or vegetarian version.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Bolognese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm it in a saucepan over low heat to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, the Bolognese sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently before serving with freshly cooked pasta!
How Can I Adjust the Sauce’s Consistency?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer to reduce the liquid. For a thinner sauce, you can add a bit of pasta water or broth while cooking to reach your desired consistency.
