Pasta With Bolognese Sauce

Pasta with Bolognese Sauce is a comforting and hearty Italian classic, featuring a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce made with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and red wine. This traditional sauce, originating from Bologna, is the ultimate comfort food with its deep, savory flavors that develop beautifully over time. Tossed with your favorite pasta, like tagliatelle or spaghetti, and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 lb pasta (tagliatelle, spaghetti, or your choice)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the wine and tomatoes: Pour in the red wine (if using) and simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. Simmer the sauce: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or broth.
5. Finish with milk or cream: Stir in the whole milk or heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for another 5-10 minutes to add richness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
6. Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
7. Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce until well-coated. Serve in bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

This Pasta with Bolognese Sauce is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy nights at home or a family meal, offering deep, savory flavors in every bite!