Classic Bolognese sauce, also known as ragù, is a rich and flavorful Italian meat sauce traditionally served with tagliatelle or pappardelle pasta. With its origins in the city of Bologna, this hearty and versatile sauce has become a beloved staple in Italian cuisine, cherished for its robust flavor and comforting aroma. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, crafting the perfect classic Bolognese sauce is a rewarding and delightful experience. In this article, we'll guide you through the essential steps and key ingredients needed to create an authentic and unforgettable classic Bolognese sauce that will transport you to the heart of Italy.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
RAGU BOLOGNESE
This is the real deal, an authentic recipe for a meat sauce.
Provided by Mike Oxsolong
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Ground Pork Recipes
Time 3h10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion, celery and carrots until soft. Add veal, pork, beef and pancetta, and cook until evenly brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Pour in milk, and cook until liquid has evaporated, about 15 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and beef broth. Cover, and simmer 2 1/2 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 750.5 calories, Carbohydrate 8.8 g, Cholesterol 182.4 mg, Fat 63 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 36.6 g, SaturatedFat 23.5 g, Sodium 990.6 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
CLASSIC BOLOGNESE SAUCE (A.K.A. RAGU)
The saying "good things come to those who wait" certainly applies to this recipe that I got from my Italian sister-in-law!! It goes well with most types of pasta (tortellini, rigatoni, etc.)and is perfect for lasagna or any other baked dish.
Provided by CountryLady
Categories Sauces
Time 8h10m
Yield 3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In order to prevent the ragu from reducing too quickly, use the heaviest, deepest pot that you own.
- Melt butter& oil and saute onion& garlic over medium heat until just translucent.
- Add celery& carrot and cook gently for about 2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, crumbling it in the pot with a fork.
- Stir in salt.
- Cook only until the meat loses its raw, red colour.
- Add the wine, turn heat up to medium high and cook, stirring occasionally, until all the wine evaporates (1/2 hour to 45 minutes).
- Turn the heat down to medium, add the milk& nutmeg and cook, stirring frequently, until all the milk evaporates (1/2 hour TO 45 minutes).
- Add oregano, pepper& tomatoes and stir thoroughly.
- When the tomatoes have started to boil, turn the heat down until the sauce cooks at the laziest simmer- just the occasional bubble.
- Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for at least 4 hours (5 hours is better).
- If you can't watch the sauce for such a long stretch, you can interrupt this simmering time- but DO complete it in the same day!
HOMEMADE RAGU SAUCE
"My family loves homemade spaghetti sauce and this one is a big hit. I always make sure to serve this ragu sauce recipe with plenty of garlic bread." -Kate Gaul, Dubuque, IA
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 2h25m
Yield 10 servings (7-1/2 cups).
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, cook the beef, pork, bacon, onions, celery and carrots over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer. Add wine; cook until liquid is reduced by half, 4-5 minutes., Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, bay leaves, sugar and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, stirring occasionally, 1-1/2 to 2 hours. , Discard bay leaves. Add the cream, butter and parsley; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in cheese. Serve with pasta.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 309 calories, Fat 18g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 73mg cholesterol, Sodium 746mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 18g protein.
CLASSIC RAGU BOLOGNESE
"A certain magic happens as the beef and aromatic vegetables slowly cook down with the wine, tomato paste, and broth." --Bon Appetit Magazine
Provided by Pfhantastic Cook
Categories European
Time 3h
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Saute until soft, 8-10 minutes. Add beef, veal, and pancetta; saute, breaking up with the back of a spoon, until browned, about 15 minutes. Add wine; boil 1 minute, stirring often and scraping up browned bits. Add 2 1/2 cups of stock and tomato paste; stir to blend. Reduce heat to very low and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, 1 1/2 hours. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan; gradually add to sauce. Cover with lid slightly ajar and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until milk is absorbed, about 45 minutes, adding more stock by 1/4-cupfuls to thin if needed. DO AHEAD: Ragu can be made 2 days ahead. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm befor continuing.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt; add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until 1 minute before al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Transfer ragu to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pasta and toss to coat. Stir in some of the reserved pasta water by tablespoonfuls if sauce seems dry. Divide pasta among warm plates. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 808.2, Fat 23.3, SaturatedFat 7, Cholesterol 169.8, Sodium 506.2, Carbohydrate 102.2, Fiber 6.4, Sugar 13.9, Protein 40.9
CLASSIC RAGU BOLOGNESE
Combine ground beef, ground veal, and pancetta with red wine, milk, and aromatics for this traditional Italian meat sauce.
Provided by David Downie
Categories Beef Pasta High Fiber Father's Day New Year's Day Dinner Lunch Meat Winter Poker/Game Night Potluck Noodle Bon Appétit Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield makes 4-6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Saute until soft, 8-10 minutes. Add beef, veal, and pancetta; saute, breaking up with the back of a spoon, until browned, about 15 minutes. Add wine; boil 1 minute, stirring often and scraping up browned bits. Add 2 1/2 cups stock and tomato paste; stir to blend. Reduce heat to very low and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, 1 1/2 hours. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan; gradually add to sauce. Cover sauce with lid slightly ajar and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until milk is absorbed, about 45 minutes, adding more stock by 1/4-cupfuls to thin if needed. DO AHEAD: Ragu can be made 2 days ahead. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm before continuing.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt; add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until 1 minute before al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Transfer ragu to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pasta and toss to coat. Stir in some of the reserved pasta water by tablespoonfuls if sauce seems dry. Divide pasta among warm plates. Serve with Parmesan.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your sauce. Look for ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and good quality ground beef.
- Brown the ground beef well: This will help to develop flavor and prevent the sauce from being greasy.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 2 hours: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop. The longer you simmer it, the better it will taste.
- Add a splash of red wine: This will add depth of flavor to the sauce. If you don't have red wine, you can use white wine or even chicken broth.
- Season the sauce to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta: Spaghetti, penne, and tagliatelle are all good choices. You can also use the sauce to make lasagna or stuffed shells.
Conclusion:
Bolognese sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a classic Italian sauce that is sure to please everyone at your table. With a little time and effort, you can make a restaurant-quality Bolognese sauce at home. So next time you're looking for a delicious and hearty meal, give this recipe a try.
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