Pasta Bolognese, also known as spaghetti Bolognese, is a classic Italian dish featuring a rich, meaty tomato sauce served over pasta. Here’s a traditional recipe for a flavorful Bolognese sauce:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, tagliatelle, or your choice)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
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Cook the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
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Add garlic and meat: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef (and pork if using) and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Deglaze with wine (optional): If using red wine, pour it into the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef or chicken broth. Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors should meld together.
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Add cream: Stir in the whole milk or heavy cream and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Combine and serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce or serve the sauce on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your delicious Pasta Bolognese!
