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Classic & Easy Weeknight Bolognese Sauce: Rich Italian Meat Sauce

A close-up of rich bolognese sauce generously spooned over wide egg noodles on a white plate.
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Make this rich and hearty Bolognese sauce that tastes like it simmered all day, but is simple enough for your busy weeknights. This authentic Italian meat sauce recipe is a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with broth)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional, for richness)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 8 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. If using red wine, pour it in and let it simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until the liquid is mostly reduced, about 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the bolognese sauce simmer for at least 45 minutes, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
  7. Remove the bay leaf before serving. If you want a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream or milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  8. Serve your homemade bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta, like tagliatelle or spaghetti, or use it in lasagna.

Notes

  • For an authentic taste, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork or veal.
  • If you are short on time, skip the wine and add an extra 1/4 cup of beef broth.
  • This recipe freezes well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/easy-weeknight-bolognese-sauce/