Pasta Bolognese is a hearty Italian dish bursting with flavors. It features delicious ground meat, rich tomatoes, and fresh herbs served over your favorite pasta.
This dish is like a warm hug after a long day. I love making a big pot, so I have leftovers for lunch—it’s even better the next day! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Tagliatelle and fettuccine are traditional choices for Bolognese. If you’re gluten-free, try brown rice pasta or zucchini noodles for a fresh twist.
Ground Meat: Ground beef is classic, but mix it up with ground pork for extra flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, a mix of lentils or mushrooms can create a hearty texture.
Wine: Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce. No wine? Use extra broth or a splash of vinegar with water as a substitute.
Milk/Cream: Whole milk or heavy cream makes the sauce creamy. For a lower fat option, use skim milk or unsweetened almond milk. Coconut milk is a fun alternative for a different flavor.
How Do I Achieve a Rich and Flavorful Sauce?
A key step in making a great Bolognese sauce is letting the flavors meld together. After you add the wine and tomatoes, let the sauce simmer slowly. Here’s how:
- Cook on low heat for at least 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally, so nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Add the milk or cream toward the end of cooking; this gives a silky finish to the sauce.
- Don’t rush it! The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
These steps will help make your Pasta Bolognese something special. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 400g (14 oz) tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 400g (14 oz) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 100ml (about 1/2 cup) dry white wine
- 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 200ml (about 3/4 cup) whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pasta Bolognese takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and around 40 minutes of cooking time. In total, expect to spend about 1 hour to create this delicious meal from scratch. Perfect for a comforting dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté them together for about 5-7 minutes until they become softened and fragrant.
3. Add Flavor:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute until it’s fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn. This step builds a lovely flavor base for your sauce!
4. Cook the Meat:
Now increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat. Using a spoon, break it apart and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the Wine:
Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. This adds a great depth of flavor to the sauce.
6. Create the Sauce:
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently. This is when the magic happens!
7. Make it Creamy:
After the sauce has simmered for about 10 minutes, pour in the milk or heavy cream. Stir well to combine everything. Let it simmer gently for at least another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sauce to thicken and develop rich flavors.
8. Season the Sauce:
Finally, season your sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember to taste test so it’s up to your preferred flavor!
9. Combine with Pasta:
Once the sauce is ready, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure every strand is well-coated. If you prefer, you can also serve the sauce generously spooned over the pasta instead.
10. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, garnish your delicious dish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with some crusty bread and a glass of red wine for a true Italian experience!
Enjoy the authentic taste of classic Italian Pasta Bolognese! Buon appetito!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While tagliatelle and fettuccine are traditional, you can use any pasta type you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free options like brown rice pasta.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Bolognese sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. The flavors often deepen overnight!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for the Wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, feel free to substitute it with an equal amount of beef or vegetable broth. You can also add a splash of vinegar mixed with water for a similar acidity!