If you are craving a hearty yet approachable Italian classic, look no further than this Simple Bolognese Recipe. Bursting with rich flavors and a comforting texture, this dish brings together vibrant tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and tender ground beef that meld into a luscious sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, this recipe turns humble ingredients into a satisfyingly delicious meal that feels like a warm, loving hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this deeply flavorful dish. Each component plays its own role in building the iconic taste and inviting aroma that makes this recipe a beloved staple.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup for a silky, fruity base to sauté the vegetables.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped coarsely to add sweetness and body.
- Garlic cloves: 2, chopped coarsely to infuse the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Celery stalk: 1, chopped coarsely for subtle crunch and earthiness.
- Carrot: 1, chopped coarsely to bring natural sweetness and color.
- Ground chuck beef: 1 pound, the hearty protein that forms the meaty core of the sauce.
- Crushed cherry tomatoes: 2 cans (14 ounces each) for vibrant flavor and luscious texture.
- Flat-leaf Italian parsley: 1/4 cup chopped to brighten the sauce with fresh herbal notes.
- Fresh basil leaves: 8, chopped to add that unmistakable sweet and peppery aroma.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Pasta: 1 pound, such as mezzi rigatoni or pappardelle, ideal for catching the rich sauce in every bite.
How to Make Simple Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped onion and garlic, then cook them gently until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. This slow sauté brings out their sweetness and forms a flavorful foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Add Celery and Carrot
Next, toss in the chopped celery and carrot. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, allowing these veggies to soften and release their natural sugars. This layer adds a subtle crunch and vibrant color, enhancing both taste and visual appeal.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Turn the heat up to high and add your ground chuck beef to the skillet. Sauté it until it’s nicely browned, around 10 minutes, breaking up the meat with your spoon. This step locks in rich, savory flavor, setting the scene for a deeply comforting sauce.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Herbs
Pour in the crushed cherry tomatoes, then stir in the chopped Italian parsley and basil leaves. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 30 minutes until it thickens slightly. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste, tuning the flavors to your liking.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Combine
While the sauce simmers, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta, then toss it lovingly with your warm Bolognese sauce. This simple combine step creates a dish that’s ready to delight at the table.
How to Serve Simple Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the classic topping that adds a salty, nutty flair. You can also sprinkle extra chopped basil or parsley to brighten every forkful with herbal freshness and vibrant green color.
Side Dishes
Pair your Simple Bolognese Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich sauce. Crusty garlic bread or a warm focaccia is perfect to soak up every last drop and add an enjoyable crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving the Bolognese over creamy polenta or nestled inside tender zucchini ribbons for a low-carb alternative. For casual family-style dinners, bake the saucy pasta in a casserole dish topped with mozzarella for a bubbling, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Simple Bolognese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner option the next day.
Freezing
This sauce freezes beautifully. Divide into portions and freeze in sealed containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for an easy meal ready when you are.
Reheating
Reheat your Bolognese gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and keep the sauce velvety smooth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Simple Bolognese Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative and will still provide a good texture, though the flavor will be milder. Consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire to boost umami.
How long can I simmer the Bolognese sauce for best results?
Simmering for at least 30 minutes develops rich flavors, but letting it cook longer on low heat—up to 2 hours—can make the sauce even more tender and concentrated. Just keep an eye and stir occasionally.
What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?
Chunky sauces like this pair wonderfully with ridged or tubular pastas such as mezzi rigatoni, pappardelle, rigatoni, or tagliatelle, which help trap the sauce in every bite for maximum deliciousness.
Is it necessary to add fresh herbs, or can I use dried?
Fresh herbs really brighten and freshen the sauce, but if you only have dried, use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Add them earlier during cooking to let their flavors bloom.
Can I make this Simple Bolognese Recipe vegetarian?
While this classic version uses beef, you can create a vegetarian twist by substituting lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for the meat. This gives you great texture and earthy flavor without compromising the heartiness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a Simple Bolognese Recipe that combines incredible flavor with comfort and ease. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers a satisfying, homey meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. So put on your apron, dive in, and get ready to enjoy every rich, savory bite with the people you love.
Print
Simple Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Simple Bolognese recipe is a classic Italian meat sauce made with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, crushed cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Slow-simmered to develop rich flavors, it pairs perfectly with pappardelle or mezzi rigatoni pasta for a hearty and comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped
- 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
- 1 pound ground chuck beef
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley
- 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta (such as mezzi rigatoni or pappardelle)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them until they become soft and translucent, about 8 minutes, developing their sweetness and aroma.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the chopped celery and carrot into the skillet, cooking them for an additional 5 minutes to soften and blend their flavors into the base of the sauce.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the ground chuck beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Sauté the meat until it is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 10 minutes, ensuring even cooking and caramelization.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed cherry tomatoes, chopped Italian parsley, and chopped fresh basil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the drained pasta with the Bolognese sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, you can brown the vegetables slightly before adding the meat.
- Using ground chuck beef provides a good balance of lean meat and fat for a rich sauce; you may also add ground pork for variation.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the crushed tomatoes before adding them.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free varieties like rice or corn pasta.
