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Pasta alla Bolognese

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