Bolognese Sauce
A classic Italian sauce known for its rich flavor and hearty texture, perfect for topping pasta.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, 80/20
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup wine (red or white)
- 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
Instructions
Preparation
- Place a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. When the butter foams, add the diced onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the diced celery and carrot. Sauté for about two minutes until they soften a bit.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, which will take about 1 minute.
Cooking
- Add the ground beef and freshly cracked black pepper. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is brown, add the milk, wine, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir occasionally and simmer until the liquid has evaporated completely, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
- After the liquid has reduced, add the crushed tomatoes. Mix everything until well incorporated. Lower the heat as soon as the tomatoes start to simmer.
- Cook the sauce uncovered for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. If the sauce starts to dry out, stir in a half cup of water. Lastly, taste your sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
For a richer taste, use 100% beef or a mix of beef and pork. Don’t rush the cooking; allowing the sauce to simmer for an extended time enhances its flavor. Experiment with adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves for additional aroma.