Bolognese
Bolognese is a classic Italian meat sauce made with ground beef and fresh vegetables, simmered until rich and flavorful. This comforting dish is typically served over pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese.
Cook time 70 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil2 onions
2 garlic cloves
1 carrot
1 red pepper
1 stalk celery
24 oz ground beef (80/20%)
2 cans canned tomatoes
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tbsp tomato puree
Bolognese is a classic Italian meat sauce known for its rich and savory flavor. This hearty dish is perfect for pasta lovers and is a favorite for family dinners. By using a combination of fresh vegetables, quality ground beef, and tomatoes, you can create a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onions.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Finely chop the carrot, red pepper, and celery.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, carrots, red pepper, and celery. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
- Increase the heat to medium-high.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the two cans of crushed or diced tomatoes.
- Add the 1/2 cup of beef broth.
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato puree.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the Bolognese sauce simmer gently. Allow it to cook uncovered for at least an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors will become. Aim for 1-2 hours if you have the time.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, you can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Once the Bolognese sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, it is ready to serve.
- Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or tagliatelle, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Bolognese sauce from scratch might seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can achieve a flavorful, authentic Italian dish. Serve your homemade Bolognese over your favorite pasta, garnish with fresh parmesan cheese, and enjoy a truly satisfying meal.
Bolognese FAQ:
Simmer the Bolognese sauce for at least an hour, but ideally 1-2 hours to develop deeper flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
A large pot or heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended for making Bolognese, typically around 5 to 6 quarts, to allow for even cooking and proper simmering.
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. However, keep in mind that the flavor and richness may differ slightly.
The Bolognese sauce is done when it has thickened to your desired consistency and the flavors have melded together. It should have a rich, savory taste.
Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Finely chop the onions, garlic, carrot, red pepper, and celery to ensure they blend well into the sauce.
- Use a large pan to give the ingredients room to cook evenly.
- Cook the ground beef on medium-high heat until it is browned thoroughly; this adds depth to the flavor.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce during the simmering process.
- Don't forget to taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper towards the end of cooking.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 520kcal
Protein 33g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 12g
Fat 40g
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