Italian comfort food does not get any better than the rich, hearty flavor of an authentic Bolognese sauce. This classic Italian meat sauce, or “Ragù alla Bolognese,” is from the city of Bologna in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It’s perfect for serving with tagliatelle pasta, lasagna, or any thick noodle. Let’s take a look at preparing this flavorful classic at home.

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Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 medium carrot, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

500g (1 lb) ground beef (80% lean)

250g (0.5 lb) ground pork

250g (0.5 lb) ground veal

150 ml (2/3 cup) dry white wine

200 ml (3/4 cup) whole milk

400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

For Serving:

400g (14 oz) tagliatelle or pasta of your choice

Grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base

Heat olive oil and butter in a big, heavy-based pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent (about 5–7 minutes).

2. Brown the Meat

Add ground beef, pork and veal to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon.

Cook, browning the meat, until excess liquid cooks off.

3. Deglaze and Add Milk

Add white wine, stirring to deglaze the pot. Cook until wine has mostly evaporated.

Add milk and cook at a simmer until absorbed. This tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle richness.

4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir.

Add the oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Simmer the sauce.

5. Low and Slow Simmer

Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours.

Stir occasionally, adding some water or broth if needed to keep the sauce from drying out.

6. Cook the Pasta

Cook the tagliatelle (or your choice of pasta) according to package instructions until al dente.

Save some pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Keep the extra pasta water to help dilute the sauce to your desired consistency if needed.

7. Serve

Combine the cooked pasta and the Bolognese sauce.

Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if preferred.

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📦 Amazon Must-Haves for the Perfect Bolognese Sauce Experience

• 🥘 Heavy-Bottomed Pot — Perfect for slow-simmering the Bolognese sauce.
• 🔪 Vegetable Chopper & Garlic Press — Save time on prep work.
• 🍝 Pasta Maker — Create fresh pasta at home.
• 🧀 Parmesan Cheese Grater — For freshly grated cheese.
• 🍷 Wine Glasses Set — Ideal for pairing your meal with wine.
• 🍽️ Pasta Serving Bowls — Serve your dish in style.

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Tips for the Best Bolognese

Use quality meat: A combination of beef, pork and veal gives a more intense flavor.

Patience is paramount: The long simmering time develops rich flavors.

Milk and wine: Classics that help to balance acidity and tenderize the meat.

Serve your homemade classic Bolognese sauce to friends and family and enjoy! Buon appetito!

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