Bolognese Pasta is a hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s made with ground meat, tomatoes, and veggies simmered to make a tasty sauce that hugs every noodle!
I love how rich and filling this meal is—perfect for when I’m feeling extra hungry. Just add some grated cheese on top, and it’s like a warm hug on a plate! 🍝😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love linguine or spaghetti for this dish, as they hold the sauce beautifully. If you’re out of these, any pasta like fettuccine or penne works well too!
Ground Beef: Ground beef is classic for Bolognese, but using a mix of beef and pork adds a nice flavor. If you’re looking for lighter options, ground turkey or lentils are good substitutes.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are convenient and work great. You can also use fresh tomatoes; just peel and chop them. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before adding.
Red Wine: I enjoy the depth of flavor that red wine brings, but if you prefer no alcohol, beef broth does the trick. Just use the same amount!
Whole Milk or Cream: This helps soften the sauce’s acidity. You can use half-and-half, or for a lighter choice, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Bolognese Sauce?
Creating a rich and flavorful Bolognese sauce requires a few simple tips! It’s all about layering flavors through careful cooking techniques.
- Cook the veggies: Start by cooking the onion, carrot, and celery until they’re soft. This creates a sweet base for the sauce!
- Brown the meat: Don’t rush this step! Allowing the ground beef to brown well adds a nice depth and texture to your sauce.
- Deglaze: When you add wine (or broth), scrape the bottom of the pan. This lifts up all those tasty bits stuck to the pan.
- Simmer time: Let the sauce simmer gently after adding the tomatoes and seasonings. This develops the flavors beautifully!
Remember, tasting and adjusting the seasoning is key to your perfect Bolognese! Enjoy the process and trust your palate!
Delicious Bolognese Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For The Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with beef broth)
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 45-50 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
3. Add Garlic and Meat:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks until browned all the way through, about 8-10 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
4. Deepen the Flavor:
Mix in the tomato paste, and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor. Then, pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until mostly evaporated.
5. Combine with Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the milk and allow the sauce to simmer for another 10 minutes to mellow its flavor. Don’t forget to taste it! Adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Combine and Serve:
Once the sauce is ready, toss it with the drained pasta until well combined. Serve the Bolognese pasta in bowls, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a delightful finish.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Bolognese Pasta! It’s sure to bring smiles around the dinner table! 🍝😊
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine and spaghetti work wonderfully, you can use any pasta you have on hand—like fettuccine, penne, or even whole wheat varieties. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type!
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Dish?
Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian Bolognese by replacing the ground beef with lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a mix of finely diced vegetables. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re using raw vegetables.
Can I Make Bolognese Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! The Bolognese sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it gently on the stove while the pasta cooks before serving!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bolognese pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce if needed.