At Foodkly, we understand the importance of sharing delicious and cherished recipes with loved ones. This Bolognese sauce is a perfect example of a heartwarming dish that brings families and friends together.
This recipe is built on rich flavors developed through slow simmering. Don’t be discouraged by the cook time; most of it is hands-off, allowing you to catch up with loved ones while the kitchen fills with enticing aromas.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 8 ounces ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 8 ounces ground pork
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and pork. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned all over. Drain any excess fat.
- Deglaze and Introduce Layers of Flavor: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step adds depth of flavor.
- Simmer with Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme sprig. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours for richer flavor. The longer simmer time allows the flavors to meld and develop further.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: After simmering, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Use a Quality Grind of Meat: A combination of ground beef and pork adds richness and depth of flavor to the Bolognese sauce. Choose an 80/20 ground meat ratio for optimal texture.
- Don’t Skip the Deglazing Step: Deglazing the pan with white wine helps loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom, adding another layer of complexity to the sauce.
- The Power of a Slow Simmer: Resist the urge to rush the simmering process. The extended low and slow cooking allows the flavors to fully develop and creates a luxuriously rich and velvety sauce.
- Leftovers Freeze Well: This Bolognese sauce freezes beautifully. Let the sauce cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy this delicious and heartwarming Bolognese sauce recipe with your family and friends on Foodkly.com!