Up until this year, my method for making Bolognese Sauce called for adding cooked, seasoned beef to my Homemade Tomato Sauce, simmering for a bit, then finishing with fresh herbs. It wasn’t until I saw this video that I realized I wasn’t really making Bolognese Sauce at all! After experimenting a bit with Mario’s recipe, I found a method that I really love. This slow cooked Bolognese Sauce pairs a number of classic aromatics with ground beef, pork and bacon. The mixture is then simmered in tomato paste, whole milk and wine. Thick, rich and luscious, the finished sauce has the most amazing depth of flavor. The recipe below definitely takes some time to make. But I urge you to give it a try. You won’t be sorry. Continue reading for the recipe.
Several weeks ago, my mother came to visit from New Jersey. In addition to this Bolognese Sauce, I served up some Arugula Mojitos, an arugula salad with pear vinaigrette, Shaved Asparagus and Bacon Pizza, and Blood Orange Frozen Yogurt for dessert. I only get to cook for my mom once every few years, so I wanted to make sure the dinner was special. She ended up loving every bite!
Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 4 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound bacon, pulsed in food processor until finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup dry white wine (such as sauvignon blanc)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pasta, for serving
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
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Warm olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots and garlic, stirring to coat in the oil. Cook until soft (but not browned), stirring occasionally (8 to 10 minutes).
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Increase heat to medium-high, then add bacon, beef and pork, stirring to break up clumps. Cook until all meat is browned (15 - 20 minutes). Add tomato paste, stir to combine and cook for 30 minutes. Be sure you stir occasionally to keep the bottom from burning.
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Add milk and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Increase heat to high, add wine, bring mixture to a boil and cook until the liquid has evaporated (about 5 minutes). Scrape up any bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add water and thyme, bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The mixture should not be liquidy. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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This recipe makes enough sauce for 2 to 3 pounds of pasta. You'll need 4 cups of the mixture above for 1 pound of pasta. Once I finished cooking the sauce, I transferred everything to large bowl, then scooped out 4 cups into a smaller, heavy-bottomed pot. Cover the remaining sauce and store in the refrigerator.
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To serve, cook pasta (pappardelle pictured above) in large pot of salted water. While the pasta is cooking, warm sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. 1 minute before the pasta reaches al dente, drain and transfer to the pot with the sauce, reserving 1 cup of cooking water. Gently stir the pasta to combine with the sauce. Stir in about 1/2 cup of the cooking water to thin out the sauce, adding more if needed. Stir in 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
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Divide pasta amongst dinner plates and finish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
DessertForTwo says
I’m such a bolognese fan, yet I’ve never made my own! That needs to change! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ann P says
goodness gracious that looks delicious!! I think pappardelle is the perfect pasta to fix with this sauce, too! Your mom sure is lucky to have you as a son 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Awww thanks Ann 😉
Jennifer | Single & Spice says
Very similar to my bolognese, but I use pancetta and prosciutto instead of bacon, also add ground veal, cream instead of milk, and nutmeg. Really, the nutmeg adds another dimension. No photos for it, but here’s the recipe: http://singleandspice.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/hearty-bolognese/. Freezes well too 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks for sharing Jennifer. Sounds delicious! I’ll have to try adding nutmeg next time.
Julia says
I’m making this recipe right now and I’m impatiently waiting for that last hour of simmering to be done! There are so many layers of flavour. This recipe is amazing, thanks for sharing it!!
Brandon Matzek says
Excellent!! I hope it turned out well for you 🙂
Cory says
Hey Brandon:
Why white wine instead of the more traditional red for your version of ragù alla bolognese?
Cory says
Hey Brandon!
Any reason for the white wine here instead of the traditional red?
Brandon Matzek says
Hey Cory! While researching the recipe I noticed most traditional recipes actually used white wine! But some also used red wine. So you are welcome to use either here. Just make sure it’s dry!
de aluguel"############# says
Wow! Delicious! I’ll make this recipe at home