Description
This Easy Simple Bolognese recipe delivers a rich and flavorful Italian meat sauce that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner. Made with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy touch of milk or cream, this classic sauce is simmered to perfection and served over your favorite pasta. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta & Garnish
- 12 ounces spaghetti or pasta of choice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
- Season the sauce: Stir in salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using, evenly coating the meat and vegetables.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Mix in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the milk or heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes to create a creamy, rich texture in the sauce.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well once cooked.
- Combine and serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce thoroughly. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a deeper, richer flavor, simmer the sauce longer, up to 45 minutes.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to vary the protein.
- This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months—store in airtight containers or freezer bags.
