Best 9 Perfect Bolognese Sauce Recipes

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**Discover the Art of Authentic Italian Cuisine: A Culinary Journey through Perfect Bolognese Sauce Recipes**

Embark on a delightful culinary adventure as we delve into the world of Bolognese sauce, a timeless Italian masterpiece. Originating from the vibrant city of Bologna, this rich and flavorful sauce has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. With its robust tomato base, aromatic herbs, and slow-simmered meat, Bolognese sauce embodies the essence of Italian cooking. In this comprehensive guide, we present a collection of meticulously crafted recipes that showcase the versatility and depth of this beloved sauce. From traditional renditions to innovative variations, these recipes will inspire you to create unforgettable meals that transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this exploration of Bolognese sauce promises to elevate your cooking skills and bring joy to your dining table. So, prepare to immerse yourself in the art of Italian cuisine as we embark on a journey to discover the perfect Bolognese sauce.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST BOLOGNESE



The Best Bolognese image

Our bolognese is rich and meaty, yet surprisingly light on the tomato. Instead, its base is made from a classic combination of wine and milk. The combination of pork, beef and pancetta adds a complex depth of flavor that using one type of meat couldn't provide. A Parmesan rind is another key ingredient. If you have homemade chicken stock, now is the time to use it. We tried it with boxed broth but weren't thrilled with the results, so we prefer water instead.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h15m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

3/4 pound ground beef
3/4 pound ground pork
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/8-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, finely grated
2 large stalks celery, cut into 1/8-inch pieces
1 large carrot, cut into 1/8-inch pieces
1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/8-inch pieces
1 bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 2/3 cups dry white wine
2 cups homemade chicken stock or water
2 cups milk
1 large Parmesan rind
1 pound fresh tagliatelle or pappardelle, or dry rigatoni
Grated Parmesan, for serving

Steps:

  • Combine the beef and pork in a large bowl. "Pull" the ground meat apart with two forks as if you were shredding pulled pork, breaking up the clumps and incorporating the meat without compacting it. Continue to pull the meat apart until thoroughly mixed and no clumps remain.
  • Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Cook the pancetta, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and is golden brown on all sides, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the pancetta with a slotted spoon to a large bowl, leaving the fat in the pot.
  • Spread half of the ground meat in an even layer in the pot and cook undisturbed until lightly golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Toss and continue to cook, breaking up any clumps with the back of a spoon and scraping up any browned bits from the pot, until the meat is lightly browned on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer the browned meat with a slotted spoon to the bowl with the pancetta, leaving the fat in the pot. Repeat with the remaining ground meat.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic, celery, carrots, onions, bay leaf, nutmeg, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but not browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until very fragrant and brick red, about 2 minutes. Stir in the wine, bring to a boil and cook until it reduces and thickens and no smell of alcohol remains, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the stock, milk and browned meat.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the Parmesan rind and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated away and the mixture resembles sloppy joes, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. There shouldn't be any rapid bubbles while cooking. Instead, the sauce should release occasional small bubbles. If you have a small burner you should use it; the larger burners even at their lowest setting might cook the sauce too quickly. If the sauce reduces too quickly, add 1/2 cup of stock or water and continue cooking; repeat if necessary. The sauce needs the full 2 to 2 1/2 hour cook time to develop the flavors.
  • Discard the bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Use the back of a spoon to break up any remaining clumps of meat for an even-textured sauce. Season with salt and keep warm.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta. If using fresh pasta, cook about 3 minutes. If using dry, cook until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions.
  • Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid, then drain the pasta and transfer to the sauce. Increase the heat to medium, bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, tossing the pasta constantly, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is slightly thickened, adding pasta cooking liquid if necessary, about 2 minutes.
  • Transfer the pasta to a platter and top with grated Parmesan.

SIMPLE BOLOGNESE



Simple Bolognese image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped
1 carrot, coarsely chopped
1 pound ground chuck beef
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped
8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano

Steps:

  • In a large skillet heat the olive oil. When almost smoking, add the onion and garlic and saute over medium heat until the onions become very soft, about 8 minutes. Add the celery and carrot and saute for 5 minutes. Raise heat to high and add the ground beef. Saute, stirring frequently and breaking up any large lumps and cook until meat is no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes, parsley and basil and cook over medium low heat until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper. This will take approximately 1/2 hour. Finish bolognese with Pecorino Romano.

AUTHENTIC BOLOGNESE SAUCE



Authentic Bolognese Sauce image

This delicious Authentic Bolognese Sauce or Ragu alla Bolognese is made with few ingredients and lots of patience. A true Bolognese takes time, but it is so worth it.

Provided by Rosemary Molloy

Categories     Main Dish     Pasta

Time 3h20m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small/medium carrot
1 small celery stalk
1 small onion
10 1/2 ounces ground beef (not too lean)
10 1/2 ounces ground pork
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 1/4 cups tomato puree (passata)
2-3 pinches salt
2 dashes pepper
1-2 whole bay leaves
1/3 cup milk (2 % or whole milk)

Steps:

  • Cut the carrot, celery and onion very fine (must not too much that it becomes pulpy when cooked).
  • In a medium to large heavy pot add the olive oil and chopped vegetables, cook covered on low heat (stirring occasionally) until onion is transparent.
  • Increase the heat to medium and add the ground beef and pork. Stirring as the meat is cooking to break up the pieces. Once the meat has browned turned the heat up to high and add the wine.
  • Cook until the alcohol has evaporated (about 20-30 seconds) and the liquid has evaporated. Decrease the heat to medium/low and add the tomato paste, puree, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Gradually decrease the heat to the lowest setting cover and let simmer for three hours (the mixture should not boil). Stir occasionally.
  • After the time has passed remove the bay leaf and add the milk, heat thoroughly for a couple of minutes. Serve over cooked pasta. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 335 kcal, Carbohydrate 12 g, Protein 20 g, Fat 23 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Cholesterol 71 mg, Sodium 341 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

HOW TO MAKE BOLOGNESE SAUCE



How to Make Bolognese Sauce image

This Bolognese sauce is dedicated to the late great Marcella Hazan. She was considered the Julia Child of Italian food, and at a time when most Americans thought 'Bolognese' was spaghetti sauce with chunks of hamburger, Marcella taught us just how magnificent this meat sauce could be. I like to toss it with some mezzi rigatoni and serve it with a little grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Meat Sauce

Time 3h35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely diced onion
½ cup finely diced celery
½ cup finely diced carrot
1 pinch salt
1 ½ pounds ground beef
salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 ½ cups 2% milk
2 cups white wine
1 (28 ounce) can whole Italian plum tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
2 cups water, or as needed

Steps:

  • Melt butter with olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook onion, celery, and carrot with pinch of salt until onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir ground beef into vegetables and cook, stirring constantly until meat is crumbly and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Season meat mixture with 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Pour milk into ground beef mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until most of the milk has evaporated and bottom of pan is still slightly saucy, about 5 minutes.
  • Raise heat to medium high and pour white wine into ground beef mixture; cook and stir until white wine has mostly evaporated, about 5 more minutes.
  • Pour tomatoes with juice into a large mixing bowl and crush them with your fingers until they resemble a slightly chunky sauce. Pour tomatoes into sauce; fill can with 2 cups water and add to sauce. Bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until mixture cooks down into a thick sauce, at least 3 hours but preferably 4 to 6 hours. Skim fat from top of sauce if desired. If sauce is too thick or too hot on the bottom, add a little more water. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 393.6 calories, Carbohydrate 14.2 g, Cholesterol 84 mg, Fat 20.9 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 22.6 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 935.1 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

CLASSIC BOLOGNESE



Classic Bolognese image

I make many meat-based sauces, or ragu. The original ragu alla Bolognese (meat sauce) dates to the late 19th century and is credited to a cook named Pellegrino Artusi, in 1891. Though it is named for Bologna, Italy, it was first cooked or created in the town of a lesser-known name, Imola, in the region of Emilia-Romagna. Serve this sauce with egg tagliatelle or pappardelle or layer it between egg pasta sheets with bechamel for lasagna alla Bolognese.

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 tablespoons EVOO
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 ribs celery with leafy tops, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped or grated
1 bay leaf
1/4 pound meaty pancetta, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef (80 to 85 percent lean)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 scant teaspoon ground white pepper
About 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
A quarter to a third of a 750-milliliter bottle of white wine
2 cups whole milk
One 28-ounce can diced or crushed Italian tomatoes
1 cup beef bone broth or stock plus 1 cup to reserve
1 small chunk cheese rind from Parmigiano-Reggiano, optional
1 pound egg tagliatelle or pappardelle
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving
A handful of fresh basil, leaves torn

Steps:

  • Heat a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add EVOO, 2 turns of the pan. Add the butter to the oil in small pieces and when the butter foams, add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic and bay and stir, about 5 minutes. Add pancetta and stir 8 to 10 more minutes to render and crisp. Add about a third of the beef and crumble it with a wooden paddle or spoon, let all of the liquid absorb and let the meat begin to lightly caramelize before adding the next third; repeat. Season the meat with salt, pepper, white pepper and nutmeg. Add white wine, about a quarter to a third of a bottle, then stir and let it absorb into the meat. Scrape up all of the fond or the drippings from the meats and vegetables, being careful not to burn the meat. Add milk, tomatoes and about 1 cup stock, a piece of cheese rind from Parmigiano-Reggiano if you have one, then lower heat to simmer, partially cover and cook the sauce 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally and thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Add up to 1 extra cup of stock if needed if sauce gets too thick. The perfect traditional Bolognese should be buttery, uniform and emulsified, the consistency of rich, tender, pourable oatmeal. Remove bay leaf and the rind, if using, from the sauce. Sauce may be made a few days ahead as the longer it sets, the better it gets.
  • To serve, cook pasta in salted water 1 minute less than package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 full cup of starchy cooking water, then drain pasta and place back in hot pot.
  • Combine pasta with about two-thirds of the sauce, the cooking water and a couple of handfuls of grated cheese, tossing with tongs to combine.
  • Serve pasta in shallow bowls with a little torn basil.

THE BEST SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE RECIPE



The best spaghetti bolognese recipe image

Our best ever spaghetti bolognese is super easy and a true Italian classic with a meaty, chilli sauce. This recipe comes courtesy of BBC Good Food user Andrew Balmer

Provided by Andrew Balmer

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Supper

Time 2h15m

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 tbsp olive oil
4 rashers smoked streaky bacon, finely chopped
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 carrots, trimmed and finely chopped
2 celery sticks, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves finely chopped
2-3 sprigs rosemary leaves picked and finely chopped
500g beef mince
2 x 400g tins plum tomatoes
small pack basil leaves picked, ¾ finely chopped and the rest left whole for garnish
1 tsp dried oregano
2 fresh bay leaves
2 tbsp tomato purée
1 beef stock cube
1 red chilli deseeded and finely chopped (optional)
125ml red wine
6 cherry tomatoes sliced in half
75g parmesan grated, plus extra to serve
400g spaghetti
crusty bread to serve (optional)

Steps:

  • Put a large saucepan on a medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Add 4 finely chopped bacon rashers and fry for 10 mins until golden and crisp.
  • Reduce the heat and add the 2 onions, 2 carrots, 2 celery sticks, 2 garlic cloves and the leaves from 2-3 sprigs rosemary, all finely chopped, then fry for 10 mins. Stir the veg often until it softens.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high, add 500g beef mince and cook stirring for 3-4 mins until the meat is browned all over.
  • Add 2 tins plum tomatoes, the finely chopped leaves from ¾ small pack basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 bay leaves, 2 tbsp tomato purée, 1 beef stock cube, 1 deseeded and finely chopped red chilli (if using), 125ml red wine and 6 halved cherry tomatoes. Stir with a wooden spoon, breaking up the plum tomatoes.
  • Bring to the boil, reduce to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid. Cook for 1 hr 15 mins stirring occasionally, until you have a rich, thick sauce.
  • Add the 75g grated parmesan, check the seasoning and stir.
  • When the bolognese is nearly finished, cook 400g spaghetti following the pack instructions.
  • Drain the spaghetti and either stir into the bolognese sauce, or serve the sauce on top. Serve with more grated parmesan, the remaining basil leaves and crusty bread, if you like.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 624 calories, Fat 25 grams fat, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 58 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 12 grams sugar, Fiber 6 grams fiber, Protein 35 grams protein, Sodium 1.6 milligram of sodium

PERFECT BOLOGNESE SAUCE



Perfect Bolognese Sauce image

Fresh tagliatelle is the traditional accompaniment for this perfect Bolognese Sauce, that pairs well with any flat pasta. Homemade chicken stock is ideal, because it gives the sauce body and a velvety texture as it slowly simmers. This meaty Northern Italian sauce tastes even better the day after it's made.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Yield Makes 6 cups

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 to 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 to 2 carrots, finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck (80 percent lean)
8 ounces ground pork
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/4 cups dry white wine
2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
1 can (28 ounces) peeled plum tomatoes with juice, pureed

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, and carrots, stirring often, until tender, about 10 minutes. Add beef, pork, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring and breaking up meat with a fork, until meat has cooked through but not browned, about 8 minutes.
  • Add milk and nutmeg. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently until liquid reduces by half and meat is above liquid, 20 to 25 minutes. Add wine, and simmer gently until liquid reduces by half, about 15 minutes.
  • Add stock, pureed tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thick, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Season with pepper. Let cool slightly.

MARCELLA HAZAN'S BOLOGNESE SAUCE



Marcella Hazan's Bolognese Sauce image

After the death in 2013 of Marcella Hazan, the cookbook author who changed the way Americans cook Italian food, The Times asked readers which of her recipes had become staples in their kitchens. Many people answered with one word: "Bolognese." Ms. Hazan had a few recipes for the classic sauce, and they are all outstanding. This one appeared in her book "The Essentials of Classic Italian Cuisine," and one reader called it "the gold standard." Try it and see for yourself.

Provided by The New York Times

Categories     dinner, pastas, main course

Time 4h

Yield 2 heaping cups, for about 6 servings and 1 1/2 pounds pasta

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 tablespoons butter plus 1 tablespoon for tossing the pasta
1/2 cup chopped onion
2/3 cup chopped celery
2/3 cup chopped carrot
3/4 pound ground beef chuck (or you can use 1 part pork to 2 parts beef)
Salt
Black pepper, ground fresh from the mill
1 cup whole milk
Whole nutmeg
1 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups canned imported Italian plum tomatoes, cut up, with their juice
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds pasta
Freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese at the table

Steps:

  • Put the oil, butter and chopped onion in the pot and turn the heat on to medium. Cook and stir the onion until it has become translucent, then add the chopped celery and carrot. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring vegetables to coat them well.
  • Add ground beef, a large pinch of salt and a few grindings of pepper. Crumble the meat with a fork, stir well and cook until the beef has lost its raw, red color.
  • Add milk and let it simmer gently, stirring frequently, until it has bubbled away completely. Add a tiny grating -- about 1/8 teaspoon -- of nutmeg, and stir.
  • Add the wine, let it simmer until it has evaporated, then add the tomatoes and stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients well. When the tomatoes begin to bubble, turn the heat down so that the sauce cooks at the laziest of simmers, with just an intermittent bubble breaking through to the surface. Cook, uncovered, for 3 hours or more, stirring from time to time. While the sauce is cooking, you are likely to find that it begins to dry out and the fat separates from the meat. To keep it from sticking, add 1/2 cup of water whenever necessary. At the end, however, no water at all must be left and the fat must separate from the sauce. Taste and correct for salt.
  • Toss with cooked drained pasta, adding the tablespoon of butter, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan on the side.

BOLOGNESE SAUCE



Bolognese Sauce image

An excellent chunky pasta sauce with beef, pork, lots of vegetables and tons of flavor. Freeze any unused portions for later use. If you have fresh herbs, you may substitute 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil for the dried basil in this recipe.

Provided by Kimber

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h35m

Yield 9

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
½ pound ground pork
½ pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 carrots, shredded
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes
6 ounces tomato sauce
½ cup dry white wine
½ cup chicken stock
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound pasta

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, warm oil over medium heat and saute bacon, onion and garlic until bacon is browned and crisp; set aside.
  • In large saucepan, brown beef and pork. Drain off excess fat. Stir in bacon mixture, mushrooms, carrots, celery, tomatoes, tomato sauce, wine, stock, basil, oregano, salt and pepper to saucepan. Cover, reduce heat and simmer one hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Serve sauce over hot pasta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 471.5 calories, Carbohydrate 46.5 g, Cholesterol 58.8 mg, Fat 19.7 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 23.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 463.4 mg, Sugar 6.6 g

Tips:

  • Use a combination of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor.
  • Brown the meat in batches to prevent it from steaming.
  • Add a splash of red wine to deglaze the pan and enhance the flavor of the sauce.
  • Use a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions, to add sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.

Conclusion:

With its rich flavor and hearty texture, Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. By following these tips, you can easily make a delicious and authentic Bolognese sauce at home. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking!

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