Best 7 Perfect Bolognese Sauce Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Creating the perfect bolognese sauce can be a daunting task, but with the right ingredients, technique, and a little patience, you can easily achieve a delicious and authentic Italian meal. This versatile sauce can be used to top pasta, lasagna, or even pizza, and its rich, savory flavor will leave your taste buds craving more. In this article, we'll explore the secrets of making the perfect bolognese sauce, from choosing the best ingredients to mastering the cooking process. We'll also provide helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your sauce turns out perfectly every time. So, put on your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you to the heart of Italy.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

AUTHENTIC BOLOGNESE SAUCE



Authentic Bolognese Sauce image

This delicious Authentic Bolognese Sauce or Ragu alla Bolognese is made with few ingredients and lots of patience. A true Bolognese takes time, but it is so worth it.

Provided by Rosemary Molloy

Categories     Main Dish     Pasta

Time 3h20m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small/medium carrot
1 small celery stalk
1 small onion
10 1/2 ounces ground beef (not too lean)
10 1/2 ounces ground pork
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 1/4 cups tomato puree (passata)
2-3 pinches salt
2 dashes pepper
1-2 whole bay leaves
1/3 cup milk (2 % or whole milk)

Steps:

  • Cut the carrot, celery and onion very fine (must not too much that it becomes pulpy when cooked).
  • In a medium to large heavy pot add the olive oil and chopped vegetables, cook covered on low heat (stirring occasionally) until onion is transparent.
  • Increase the heat to medium and add the ground beef and pork. Stirring as the meat is cooking to break up the pieces. Once the meat has browned turned the heat up to high and add the wine.
  • Cook until the alcohol has evaporated (about 20-30 seconds) and the liquid has evaporated. Decrease the heat to medium/low and add the tomato paste, puree, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Gradually decrease the heat to the lowest setting cover and let simmer for three hours (the mixture should not boil). Stir occasionally.
  • After the time has passed remove the bay leaf and add the milk, heat thoroughly for a couple of minutes. Serve over cooked pasta. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 335 kcal, Carbohydrate 12 g, Protein 20 g, Fat 23 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Cholesterol 71 mg, Sodium 341 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

BOLOGNESE SAUCE



Bolognese Sauce image

An excellent chunky pasta sauce with beef, pork, lots of vegetables and tons of flavor. Freeze any unused portions for later use. If you have fresh herbs, you may substitute 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil for the dried basil in this recipe.

Provided by Kimber

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h35m

Yield 9

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
½ pound ground pork
½ pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 carrots, shredded
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes
6 ounces tomato sauce
½ cup dry white wine
½ cup chicken stock
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound pasta

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, warm oil over medium heat and saute bacon, onion and garlic until bacon is browned and crisp; set aside.
  • In large saucepan, brown beef and pork. Drain off excess fat. Stir in bacon mixture, mushrooms, carrots, celery, tomatoes, tomato sauce, wine, stock, basil, oregano, salt and pepper to saucepan. Cover, reduce heat and simmer one hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Serve sauce over hot pasta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 471.5 calories, Carbohydrate 46.5 g, Cholesterol 58.8 mg, Fat 19.7 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 23.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 463.4 mg, Sugar 6.6 g

PERFECT BOLOGNESE SAUCE



Perfect Bolognese Sauce image

Fresh tagliatelle is the traditional accompaniment for this perfect Bolognese Sauce, that pairs well with any flat pasta. Homemade chicken stock is ideal, because it gives the sauce body and a velvety texture as it slowly simmers. This meaty Northern Italian sauce tastes even better the day after it's made.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Yield Makes 6 cups

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 to 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 to 2 carrots, finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck (80 percent lean)
8 ounces ground pork
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/4 cups dry white wine
2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
1 can (28 ounces) peeled plum tomatoes with juice, pureed

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, and carrots, stirring often, until tender, about 10 minutes. Add beef, pork, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring and breaking up meat with a fork, until meat has cooked through but not browned, about 8 minutes.
  • Add milk and nutmeg. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently until liquid reduces by half and meat is above liquid, 20 to 25 minutes. Add wine, and simmer gently until liquid reduces by half, about 15 minutes.
  • Add stock, pureed tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thick, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Season with pepper. Let cool slightly.

THE BEST SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE RECIPE



The best spaghetti bolognese recipe image

Our best ever spaghetti bolognese is super easy and a true Italian classic with a meaty, chilli sauce. This recipe comes courtesy of BBC Good Food user Andrew Balmer

Provided by Andrew Balmer

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Supper

Time 2h15m

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 tbsp olive oil
4 rashers smoked streaky bacon, finely chopped
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 carrots, trimmed and finely chopped
2 celery sticks, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves finely chopped
2-3 sprigs rosemary leaves picked and finely chopped
500g beef mince
2 x 400g tins plum tomatoes
small pack basil leaves picked, ¾ finely chopped and the rest left whole for garnish
1 tsp dried oregano
2 fresh bay leaves
2 tbsp tomato purée
1 beef stock cube
1 red chilli deseeded and finely chopped (optional)
125ml red wine
6 cherry tomatoes sliced in half
75g parmesan grated, plus extra to serve
400g spaghetti
crusty bread to serve (optional)

Steps:

  • Put a large saucepan on a medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Add 4 finely chopped bacon rashers and fry for 10 mins until golden and crisp.
  • Reduce the heat and add the 2 onions, 2 carrots, 2 celery sticks, 2 garlic cloves and the leaves from 2-3 sprigs rosemary, all finely chopped, then fry for 10 mins. Stir the veg often until it softens.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high, add 500g beef mince and cook stirring for 3-4 mins until the meat is browned all over.
  • Add 2 tins plum tomatoes, the finely chopped leaves from ¾ small pack basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 bay leaves, 2 tbsp tomato purée, 1 beef stock cube, 1 deseeded and finely chopped red chilli (if using), 125ml red wine and 6 halved cherry tomatoes. Stir with a wooden spoon, breaking up the plum tomatoes.
  • Bring to the boil, reduce to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid. Cook for 1 hr 15 mins stirring occasionally, until you have a rich, thick sauce.
  • Add the 75g grated parmesan, check the seasoning and stir.
  • When the bolognese is nearly finished, cook 400g spaghetti following the pack instructions.
  • Drain the spaghetti and either stir into the bolognese sauce, or serve the sauce on top. Serve with more grated parmesan, the remaining basil leaves and crusty bread, if you like.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 624 calories, Fat 25 grams fat, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 58 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 12 grams sugar, Fiber 6 grams fiber, Protein 35 grams protein, Sodium 1.6 milligram of sodium

CLASSIC ITALIAN BOLOGNESE SAUCE



Classic Italian Bolognese Sauce image

Provided by Food Network

Time 2h35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup minced pancetta
1 cup minced celery
2/3 cup minced carrot
1/2 cup minced onion
1 lb ground beef chuck
salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup milk
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups canned plum tomatoes, chopped with liquid
1 lb pasta
freshly grated parmesan cheese-optional garnish

Steps:

  • In a 3 quart saucepan heat oil and butter. Add pancetta and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until most of the fat has be rendered. Then add carrots, celery, and onions and saute for 3 minutes. Now add the beef, salt and pepper to taste and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Add the milk and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the milk is completely evaporated. Add wine and simmer until evaporated.
  • Finally, add the tomatoes and simmer slowly, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours partially covered. It's important to reduce as slowly as possible. If sauce becomes dry, add 1/2 cup water whenever necessary. When almost ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is tender but still firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, pat dry and return to the pot. Add your sauce to the past and toss to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl, and serve immediately. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

HOW TO MAKE BOLOGNESE SAUCE



How to Make Bolognese Sauce image

This Bolognese sauce is dedicated to the late great Marcella Hazan. She was considered the Julia Child of Italian food, and at a time when most Americans thought 'Bolognese' was spaghetti sauce with chunks of hamburger, Marcella taught us just how magnificent this meat sauce could be. I like to toss it with some mezzi rigatoni and serve it with a little grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Meat Sauce

Time 3h35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely diced onion
½ cup finely diced celery
½ cup finely diced carrot
1 pinch salt
1 ½ pounds ground beef
salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 ½ cups 2% milk
2 cups white wine
1 (28 ounce) can whole Italian plum tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
2 cups water, or as needed

Steps:

  • Melt butter with olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook onion, celery, and carrot with pinch of salt until onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir ground beef into vegetables and cook, stirring constantly until meat is crumbly and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Season meat mixture with 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Pour milk into ground beef mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until most of the milk has evaporated and bottom of pan is still slightly saucy, about 5 minutes.
  • Raise heat to medium high and pour white wine into ground beef mixture; cook and stir until white wine has mostly evaporated, about 5 more minutes.
  • Pour tomatoes with juice into a large mixing bowl and crush them with your fingers until they resemble a slightly chunky sauce. Pour tomatoes into sauce; fill can with 2 cups water and add to sauce. Bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until mixture cooks down into a thick sauce, at least 3 hours but preferably 4 to 6 hours. Skim fat from top of sauce if desired. If sauce is too thick or too hot on the bottom, add a little more water. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 393.6 calories, Carbohydrate 14.2 g, Cholesterol 84 mg, Fat 20.9 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 22.6 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 935.1 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

BOLOGNESE SAUCE FOR TRADITIONAL LASAGNA BOLOGNESE



Bolognese Sauce for Traditional Lasagna Bolognese image

Use this Bolognese sauce to make our Traditional Lasagna Bolognese.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Yield Makes about 3 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 onions, cut into 1/4-inch dice
3 stalks celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
3 carrots, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 pounds ground sirloin
2 pounds ground veal
1 quart whole milk
2 cups dry red wine
1 quart Homemade Beef Stock, or two 14 1/2-ounce cans
1 cup tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • In a large cast-iron or enamel pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add onions, and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add celery and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add ground sirloin and veal, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink. Add milk, and cook at a gentle simmer, skimming fat from surface, until the liquid has reduced by half, about 50 minutes.
  • Add wine, and simmer until liquid is reduced by half again, about 40 minutes.
  • Add beef stock, tomato paste, salt, and pepper; simmer gently until sauce thickens, 40 to 45 minutes. If using for lasagna, set aside to cool slightly before assembling. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for 2 months.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will be. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes, good quality ground beef, and a flavorful stock.
  • Brown the meat properly: Browning the meat is an essential step that helps to develop flavor. Make sure to brown the meat in a hot pan until it is well-browned on all sides.
  • Simmer the sauce for a long time: The longer the sauce simmers, the more time it has to develop flavor. Simmer the sauce for at least 2 hours, or even longer if you have time.
  • Add vegetables to the sauce: Vegetables add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the sauce. Common vegetables to add to Bolognese sauce include carrots, celery, and onions.
  • Season the sauce to taste: The sauce should be well-seasoned with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Conclusion:

Bolognese sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is perfect for pasta, lasagna, or even as a topping for pizza. With a little time and effort, you can make a Bolognese sauce that will impress your family and friends.

Related Topics