Bolognese sauce recipe
A truly delicious Bolognese sauce recipe starts with simple, fresh ingredients that bring out rich, deep flavors. Each component plays a vital role, creating a sauce that’s hearty, smooth, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 small Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 1 small Carrot (finely diced)
- 1 small stalk Celery (finely diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt (plus more as needed)
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- ⅛ tsp Nutmeg (ground or freshly grated)
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1 can Whole Peeled Tomatoes
- 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Stir often until they turn soft and slightly golden. This is where the depth of flavor starts!
- Add the Garlic & Meat – Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Season the Mixture – Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, stirring well. These seasonings create warmth and balance in the sauce.
- Pour in the Milk – Slowly pour in the milk and stir well. Let it simmer until it thickens, about 10 minutes. This adds a creamy richness and softens the meat.
- Add Tomatoes & Broth – Crush the tomatoes with your hands before adding them to the pan. Pour in the broth and stir everything together. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Notes
Want to take your Bolognese sauce to the next level? These pro tips will help you make it even better!
For Extra Flavor:
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular for a smoky depth.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more broth and let it simmer a bit longer.
- If it’s too thin, cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep.
- Reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.