Bolognese pasta is a hearty dish loaded with rich meat sauce, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner, making your kitchen smell amazing!
I love how this pasta brings everyone together. Serving it with a sprinkle of cheese always feels like a big warm hug! Plus, who can resist seconds, right? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti works well here, but you can switch it up with other pasta types like fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time!
Ground Meat: I recommend using ground beef for its flavor, but a mix of beef and pork can add more depth. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken is a good choice too, just keep in mind that it may require different cooking times.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are ideal for making the sauce quick and easy. You can use tomato puree for a smoother texture or fresh tomatoes if they’re in season. Just chop them finely and let them cook down a bit longer.
Milk/Cream: Full-fat milk enhances creaminess, but you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just be cautious about the flavor it brings—almond milk may alter the taste slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Sauce Rich and Flavorful?
A rich sauce is what makes this Bolognese special! Start by sautéing the veggies like onion, carrot, and celery until they’re soft. This mix, called mirepoix, forms the flavor base of your sauce. Remember to add garlic afterwards so it doesn’t burn.
- Cook the ground meat until it’s nicely browned. This gives a lot of flavor, so don’t rush it!
- Let your sauce simmer gently. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes.
- If you find the sauce is too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water helps it coat the noodles better!
Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340g) linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (can substitute with half beef, half pork for deeper flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (240ml) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth or red wine
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Bolognese pasta will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 30-40 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should set aside about 50 minutes to have this delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (which means tender but still firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a bit of that yummy pasta water!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While your pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften. This aromatic base is essential for building flavor.
3. Add the Garlic:
Once the vegetables are softened, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for another minute to let those delightful flavors release into the pan.
4. Cook the Meat:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef. Turn the heat up to medium-high and break the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Be sure to season it with salt and pepper to taste!
5. Create the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth or red wine, milk, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick). Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it work its magic.
6. Simmer to Thicken:
Reduce the heat to low after that and let your sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Give it a good stir occasionally! This part is key to letting the flavors develop and the sauce thicken up nicely.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Once your sauce is looking thick and delicious, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss everything until the noodles are well coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to serve! Dish out the pasta and garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your wonderful, homemade Bolognese pasta!
Buon appetito!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. A mix of beef and pork brings more depth of flavor, but feel free to experiment depending on your preferences!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove before adding the cooked pasta. This can also enhance the flavor as it sits!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it’s heated evenly.
Can I Freeze Bolognese Sauce?
Definitely! Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
