Best 5 Classic Bolognese Sauce Aka Ragu Recipes

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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.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

RAGU BOLOGNESE



Ragu Bolognese image

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

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup butter
1 cup minced onion
½ cup minced celery
¼ cup minced carrot
1 pound ground veal
1 pound ground pork
½ pound ground beef
¼ cup finely chopped pancetta bacon
½ cup milk
2 cups tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth

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)



Classic Bolognese Sauce (A.K.A. Ragu) image

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

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
2 large onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 lb lean ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 (14 ounce) can Italian tomatoes, roughly chopped,with their juice

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



Homemade Ragu Sauce image

"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

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/4 pound bacon strips, diced
2 medium onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 small carrots, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry red wine or beef broth
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon each ground cumin, nutmeg and pepper
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Hot cooked pasta

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



Classic Ragu Bolognese image

"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

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped or 1 1/2 cups onions
2 celery ribs, finely chopped or 1 cup celery rib
2 carrots, peeled, finely chopped or 3/4 cup carrot
6 ounces ground sirloin
6 ounces ground veal
3 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry red wine
3 cups chicken stock or 3 cups beef stock, divided, amount approximate
3 tablespoons tomato paste
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1 lb tagliatelle pasta noodles (preferably fresh egg) or 1 lb fettuccine (preferably fresh egg)
finely grated parmesan cheese (for serving)

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



Classic Ragu Bolognese image

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

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
2 carrots, peeled, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
6 ounces ground beef (85% lean)
6 ounces ground veal
3 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry red wine
3 cups (about) beef stock or chicken stock, divided
3 tablespoons tomato paste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1 pound tagliatelle or fettuccine (preferably fresh egg)
Finely grated Parmesan (for serving)

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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