Pasta alla Bolognese: A Classic Italian Comfort Food

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Pasta alla Bolognese

Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes, Time to Stand: 10 minutes, Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes, Ease of Cooking: Moderate, Servings: 4-6, Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving, Cost of Ingredients: $10-$15 (depending on local prices), Cuisine: Italian, Course: Main Course,

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Large pot, skillet, wooden spoon, measuring cups, and knife.

Ingredients

  

• For the Bolognese sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 carrot finely diced
• 1 celery stalk finely diced
• 500 g 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 2 cans 400g/14 oz each crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup red wine optional
• 1 cup whole milk for a creamier sauce
• For serving:
• 400 g 14 oz pasta (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
• Start by chopping the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. These vegetables are the base of your sauce, known as "soffritto," which adds flavor and depth.
• Step 2: Sauté the Soffritto
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
• Step 3: Cook the Meat
• Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mix) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 10 minutes.
• Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Wine
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Step 5: Add Broth and Herbs
• Pour in the broth, and add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine everything.
• Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together. If you have time, let it simmer for up to 2 hours for richer flavor.
• Step 7: Add Milk
• About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the milk. This step is optional but adds creaminess and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Step 8: Cook the Pasta
• While the sauce is finishing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water.
• Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce
• Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Step 10: Serve

Pasta alla Bolognese, also known simply as “Bolognese,” is a hearty and flavorful Italian dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or just a comforting meal at home. From my own personal experience, nothing quite compares to a warm plate of Bolognese sauce served over pasta, bringing the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Let me show you how I make this delicious classic step by step.

Notes on What to Expect

Expect a rich, hearty dish that warms the soul! The combination of flavors from the vegetables, meat, and tomatoes creates a sauce that is both satisfying and versatile. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Pasta alla Bolognese is a classic that can be adjusted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family, or a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your culinary journey into the heart of Italian cuisine.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $10-$15 (depending on local prices)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed: Large pot, skillet, wooden spoon, measuring cups, and knife.

Check out the right types of equipment that you need for making Pasta alla Bolognese  here 

Ingredients

For the Bolognese sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 2 cans (400g/14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 cup whole milk (for a creamier sauce)

For serving:

• 400g (14 oz) pasta (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Check out the right Ingredient that you need for making Pasta alla Bolognese  here 

Method: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. These vegetables are the base of your sauce, known as “soffritto,” which adds flavor and depth.

Step 2: Sauté the Soffritto

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mix) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Wine

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in the broth, and add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine everything.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together. If you have time, let it simmer for up to 2 hours for richer flavor.

Step 7: Add Milk

About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the milk. This step is optional but adds creaminess and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 8: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is finishing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce cling to the pasta.

Step 10: Serve

Serve your Pasta alla Bolognese hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs if desired.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground meat with lentils or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, and celery for a hearty veggie version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Check out the right Ingredient that you need for making Pasta alla Bolognese  here 

Tips and Substitutions

• Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil or parsley instead of dried for brighter flavor.
• Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice for a more authentic taste.
• Storage: This dish can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too Thick Sauce: If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Too Thin Sauce: If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.