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Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This classic Italian Pasta Bolognese features a rich, savory meat sauce simmered with aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs, served over your favorite pasta. A comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta (tagliatelle or spaghetti)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving


Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure it is evenly cooked.
  3. Deglaze with wine: If using red wine, pour it into the skillet and simmer until it has mostly evaporated, enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
  4. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce.
  6. Cook pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  7. Serve: Plate the cooked pasta and ladle the Bolognese sauce over it. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, allow the sauce to simmer longer if possible, up to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Using red wine is optional but adds complexity to the sauce.
  • Tagliatelle or spaghetti are traditional pasta choices that complement the thick meat sauce well.
  • For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Leftover Bolognese sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.