Description
This Easy Simple Bolognese recipe offers a comforting, classic Italian meat sauce made with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomatoes. Perfect for a hearty pasta dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and simmered to develop deep, flavorful notes. Topped with Parmesan cheese, it makes a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooked pasta, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking and no large clumps remain.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery to the browned beef. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and released their flavors.
- Add herbs and tomato paste: Stir in salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil to the mixture. Then add the tomato paste and cook it for 1 minute to deepen and enrich the flavor.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, milk, and water or beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Add sugar and, if desired, red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Final tasting and serving: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Bolognese sauce over your favorite cooked pasta and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.
Notes
- Simmer longer for a richer, more developed flavor if time allows.
- You can substitute ground turkey or pork in place of the ground beef for variation.
- For a silkier sauce, add a splash of cream at the end of cooking.
