Simple Bolognese Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Simple Bolognese. This classic Italian meat sauce brings together tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a luscious tomato base all in just under an hour. There’s something magical about how a handful of humble ingredients transform into a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for cozy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prep. With layers of flavor thanks to milk or cream, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and those traditional Italian herbs, this is the Simple Bolognese you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to Simple Bolognese, the magic lies in simplicity. Each ingredient plays a small but mighty part, making the sauce truly irresistible and perfect for any pasta night. Here’s a look at the essentials and why they matter:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop the classic base flavors as you sauté the veggies.
- Onion: The foundation of sweetness and depth in your sauce; don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Brings that warm, familiar aroma and a cozy punch of flavor.
- Carrot: Offers a gentle touch of natural sweetness and gorgeous color.
- Celery: A subtle layer of earthiness to balance out the sauce.
- Ground beef: The heart of a proper Bolognese; aim for 80/20 for full flavor without excess grease.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor in your pot and brings it all together beautifully.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth you’ll notice in the finished sauce.
- Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that ties in that familiar Bolognese flavor.
- Dried basil: Balances the oregano and adds a bright, sweet herbal note.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps the sauce cling perfectly to pasta.
- Crushed tomatoes: A velvety, robust base for your Simple Bolognese; quality matters.
- Whole milk or heavy cream: Creaminess at the very end gives the sauce body and smoothness.
- Balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds depth, sweetness, and a pop of acidity (highly recommended for extra dimension).
- Cooked pasta and grated Parmesan (for serving): The essential finishing touches—use your favorite shape and don’t forget that generous sprinkle of cheese!
How to Make Simple Bolognese
Step 1: Start Your Flavorful Base
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and aromatic. At this stage, you’re building a deeply flavorful base for your Simple Bolognese—it’s worth taking your time so everything gets a lovely, gentle golden color.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Stir the minced garlic into the softened veggies and cook for 1 more minute. The kitchen should start to smell absolutely incredible right about now! Be careful not to let the garlic brown; you want it just softened and fragrant to infuse the entire sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Add Spices
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula so it cooks evenly. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Let the meat pick up all those beautiful flavors—you’re setting the stage for a truly memorable Simple Bolognese.
Step 4: Boost with Tomato Paste
Spoon in the tomato paste and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This quick step caramelizes the tomato paste, giving the sauce a richer, more concentrated flavor that really shines through in every bite.
Step 5: Simmer with Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and give everything a good stir. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow your Simple Bolognese to simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring here and there so nothing sticks. As the sauce bubbles away, it’ll thicken and develop those irresistible, layered flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Milk or Cream
Stir in the whole milk or heavy cream and the balsamic vinegar, if you’re using it. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes so everything melds together and the sauce gets that luxuriously silky finish. Taste at the end and adjust the seasoning if you need to—you want a balance that’s rich but not overwhelming.
Step 7: Serve with Pasta
Scoop generous ladles of Simple Bolognese over your choice of cooked pasta, and don’t be shy with the grated Parmesan. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and watch as everyone comes running to the table!
How to Serve Simple Bolognese
Garnishes
No Simple Bolognese is complete without its final accents! Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano right before serving, along with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil if it’s handy. For a little zing, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil can really bring it all together.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair Simple Bolognese with a crisp green salad and some warm, crusty Italian bread—perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a garlicky sautéed spinach are also lovely sides that keep things light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to switch it up! Serve your Simple Bolognese over spiralized zucchini noodles or polenta for a fun twist. If you’re hosting friends, try a “Bolognese Bar” where everyone can build their own bowl with different pasta shapes and toppings like ricotta, herbs, or even roasted veggies. Leftovers also make phenomenal stuffed peppers or baked potatoes for a totally new spin the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Simple Bolognese cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and actually gets even more flavorful as it sits, making leftovers highly desirable for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Simple Bolognese is a freezer’s best friend! Spoon cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy weeknight dinner any time you need Italian comfort in a hurry.
Reheating
To reheat Simple Bolognese, place it in a saucepan over low to medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave, stirring every minute for the best, evenly warmed results.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While the classic Simple Bolognese uses beef, ground turkey or chicken are great lighter options. Just remember that leaner meats may need a little extra olive oil and seasoning for maximum flavor.
What type Main Course
Simple Bolognese loves a pasta shape that can hold onto its chunky texture. Tagliatelle, pappardelle, or rigatoni are all fantastic, but honestly, any pasta you have on hand will work deliciously.
How can I make this sauce richer?
For even deeper, richer flavor, use half ground beef and half Italian sausage, or let your sauce simmer on low heat for up to an hour. A splash of red wine during the browning stage is another chef’s secret for extra complexity.
Is it necessary to add milk or cream?
The milk or cream helps mellow the acidity of the tomatoes and gives Simple Bolognese its signature creamy texture. If you prefer to skip dairy, substitute with an unsweetened plant-based milk, though the flavor will change slightly.
Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
Yes! This Simple Bolognese recipe doubles beautifully and freezes just as well. Make a big batch on Sunday and you’ll have several delicious, ready-made dinners waiting for you all week long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving delicious Italian comfort without any fuss, Simple Bolognese is the answer. It’s heartwarming, flexible, and always crowd-pleasing—perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely Sunday dinner. Give it a try and see how quickly it finds a permanent place in your kitchen repertoire!
Print
Simple Bolognese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic and simple Bolognese sauce recipe that is rich in flavor and perfect for topping pasta. This hearty meat sauce is a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
For Serving:
- cooked pasta
- grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and beef: Stir in garlic, then add ground beef, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until browned.
- Simmer: Mix in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 20–30 minutes.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in milk or cream, balsamic vinegar, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider simmering the sauce longer or using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- This sauce freezes well for future meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup sauce
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
