Bolognese Recipe Easy: A Hearty And Comforting Dish

Cheetahshop

May 13, 2023

Introduction

Bolognese sauce, also known as ragù alla bolognese, is a classic Italian meat-based sauce that is traditionally served with tagliatelle pasta. This sauce is rich, thick, and full of flavor, making it perfect for a comforting and hearty meal. In this article, we will be sharing an easy bolognese recipe that you can make at home.

Ingredients

To make this bolognese recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup red wine (optional)
1/4 cup milk
1 pound pasta (such as spaghetti or tagliatelle)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Here's how to make this easy bolognese recipe:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is softened.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
If using, add the red wine to the pot and stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
When the sauce is done, add the milk to the pot and stir to combine.
Drain the pasta and serve it topped with the bolognese sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

This bolognese recipe serves 6 and has the following nutrition information per serving:

Calories: 461
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 707mg

Tips for Making the Best Bolognese

Here are some tips to help you make the best bolognese:

Use Good Quality Ground Beef

The quality of the ground beef you use will greatly affect the flavor of the sauce. Look for ground beef that is at least 85% lean for the best taste and texture.

Cook the Beef First

Cooking the beef first allows it to brown and develop a rich flavor. Be sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks to ensure that it cooks evenly.

Add Wine for Extra Flavor

Adding red wine to the sauce adds depth and complexity to the flavor. If you don't have any wine on hand, you can omit it or use beef broth instead.

Simmer the Sauce for at Least 30 Minutes

Simmering the sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. If you have the time, you can let it simmer for up to 2 hours for an even richer flavor.

Add Milk for Creaminess

Adding milk to the sauce at the end gives it a creamy, velvety texture. Be sure to use whole milk for the best results.

Variations

Here are some variations you can try to customize your bolognese recipe:

Use Ground Pork or Lamb

Instead of using beef, you can use ground pork or lamb for a different flavor profile.

Add Vegetables

You can add finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.

Make it Spicy

Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Use Different Pasta

While tagliatelle or spaghetti are traditional choices, you can use any type of pasta you like with this sauce. Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni would all work well.

Conclusion

This easy bolognese recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that can be made in just a few steps. With a rich and flavorful sauce and tender pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it out for your next family dinner or gathering and enjoy the warm and cozy flavors of Italy.