Description
A quick and flavorful Bolognese recipe perfect for busy weeknights, this classic Italian meat sauce is rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make in under 30 minutes. It balances deep, savory flavors with fresh, vibrant ingredients, making it a delightful and versatile dish for pasta, rice, or vegetables while being family-friendly and budget-conscious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a blend)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Veggies: Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery to create a classic soffritto base, which will add sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced vegetables and minced garlic, and cook gently for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, allowing natural sugars to caramelize and enhance the flavor.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or chosen meat) to the skillet. Stir and break it into small pieces, cooking until browned through and no longer pink to develop a deeper flavor via the Maillard reaction.
- Add Tomato and Wine: Stir in tomato paste and cook for one minute to concentrate its flavor. Then add the crushed tomatoes and red wine if using, which adds acidity and richness to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Simmer and Season: Add dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Finish with Milk or Cream: Stir in milk or cream near the end of cooking to mellow acidity and create a smooth, luscious texture without heaviness.
Notes
- Brown the meat well in batches to avoid steaming and achieve better flavor.
- Allow enough simmer time for the sauce to thicken and develop deeper flavors.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano when possible for brighter aroma and taste.
- Adjust salt and pepper toward the end for perfect seasoning balance.
- Use quality canned tomatoes to enhance sauce taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg