Beef Bolognese Recipe

Introduction

Beef Bolognese is a rich, savory, and comforting Italian meat sauce that features tender ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal. With its deep umami taste, this slow-cooked sauce can be served with a variety of pasta, making it a versatile option for any pasta lover.

The magic of Beef Bolognese lies in the long simmering process, which allows the flavors to meld and intensify. The combination of beef, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs results in a luscious sauce with depth and complexity. Whether served over spaghetti, pappardelle, or your favorite pasta, Beef Bolognese will quickly become a family favorite.

This guide takes you step-by-step through the process of making Beef Bolognese, offers tips for achieving a perfect sauce, and suggests variations to tailor the dish to your preferences.

Why You’ll Love Beef Bolognese

• Hearty and Filling: The ground beef, combined with the vegetables and rich tomato sauce, creates a substantial and satisfying dish. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a filling and hearty meal that will keep you coming back for more.
• Versatile: Bolognese sauce pairs wonderfully with different types of pasta, including spaghetti, pappardelle, fettuccine, or even gnocchi. You can also use it in lasagna or as a topping for baked potatoes.
• Deep Umami Flavor: The long cooking time allows the flavors of the beef, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to intensify, giving the sauce a deep umami flavor. The savory profile, enhanced by red wine and Parmesan, creates a rich sauce that is sure to delight your taste buds.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Beef Bolognese is an ideal dish to make in advance. The sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld, making it a great meal prep option for busy weeks.
• Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples like tomatoes, garlic, and onions, this dish comes together with simple ingredients, while the long cooking time ensures a depth of flavor that feels gourmet.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-500 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-500 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Beef Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Special Equipment

While Beef Bolognese doesn’t require specialized equipment, a few key tools will help streamline the cooking process and ensure that the sauce turns out perfectly:

1. Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: A Dutch oven or large pot is ideal for slow-simmering sauces like Bolognese. The heavy bottom ensures even heat distribution, preventing the sauce from burning.
2. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula is essential for stirring the sauce and scraping the bottom of the pot as it simmers to prevent anything from sticking or burning.
3. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will make chopping the onions, carrots, and celery much easier and more precise. A good knife ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and contribute to the smooth texture of the sauce.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Proper measurements ensure the correct balance of ingredients. Accurate measurements are essential to achieve the best flavor and consistency for your Bolognese.
5. Grater or Microplane: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key for adding a burst of flavor to the finished dish. A fine grater or microplane ensures a smooth, light texture that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
6. Lid for Simmering: While simmering, a lid is useful to help retain moisture and control the cooking temperature. You can cover the pot halfway to allow steam to escape while preventing the sauce from reducing too much.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by preparing the vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic finely. These aromatic ingredients will form the base of your sauce, so it’s important to chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, stirring occasionally. Cook the vegetables for about 7-10 minutes, or until they become soft and slightly caramelized. The onions should be translucent and the carrots and celery tender. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

Push the vegetables to the side of the pot, and add the ground beef to the center. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook it until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Stir the beef into the vegetables as it cooks. Browning the meat helps to develop a deep, savory flavor that will enrich the sauce.

4. Deglaze the Pot with Wine

Once the beef is browned, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with the spoon, as these contribute to the flavor of the sauce. Allow the wine to cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate and the flavors concentrate.

5. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Drop in the bay leaf for added flavor. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the sauce simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken as it cooks, and the flavors will meld together.

6. Incorporate Milk or Cream

Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, stir in the milk or heavy cream. This will create a smooth, velvety texture and balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the milk or cream to blend seamlessly into the sauce.

7. Taste and Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the Bolognese sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water or additional milk to achieve your desired consistency.

8. Serve the Bolognese Sauce

Once the sauce is rich, flavorful, and has reached your desired thickness, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Serve the Beef Bolognese over your favorite cooked pasta, such as spaghetti, pappardelle, or rigatoni. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Beef Bolognese

• Use Ground Beef with Some Fat: For the best flavor, use beef that has a little fat content, such as 80% lean ground beef. This will add richness and moisture to the sauce.
• Slow and Low Simmer: The longer you let the Bolognese sauce simmer, the better the flavors will be. A long, slow simmer allows the beef to absorb the flavors of the tomatoes and herbs, creating a deep, satisfying sauce.
• Taste as You Go: Be sure to taste the sauce periodically and adjust the seasoning. Adding a pinch of sugar can balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, and a bit more salt can enhance the savory flavors.
• Don’t Rush: Bolognese sauce requires time to develop its full flavor. Try not to rush the cooking process, especially when it comes to simmering the sauce. The longer it simmers, the more complex and delicious the final dish will be.
• Make It Ahead of Time: Beef Bolognese tastes even better the next day! If you can, make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it the perfect make-ahead meal.

Variations of Beef Bolognese

• Turkey Bolognese: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this classic dish. While the flavor will be slightly lighter, you can still achieve a rich sauce by simmering it with plenty of seasonings and tomatoes.
• Pork and Beef Bolognese: For a more complex flavor, combine ground beef and ground pork. The pork adds extra fat and richness, resulting in an even more savory sauce.
• Vegetarian Bolognese: For a meatless version, use lentils, mushrooms, or a combination of both to replicate the texture and heartiness of the meat. Cook the vegetables and mushrooms as you would the beef, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.
• Spicy Bolognese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a spicy kick. The heat will complement the richness of the beef and tomatoes, creating a more robust and exciting flavor profile.

Storage and Shelf Life

Beef Bolognese stores well and can be kept for several days. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To freeze, allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Frozen Bolognese can last for 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Beef Bolognese

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy loaf of garlic bread is the perfect side to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.
• Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed lettuce, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, balances the heaviness of the Bolognese.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus are a great side dish to accompany the pasta and sauce.
• Red Wine: Pair your Beef Bolognese with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti, Sangiovese, or Cabernet Sauvignon, to enhance the meal’s depth of flavor.

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Conclusion

Beef Bolognese is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the richness of beef, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables in a savory sauce that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special celebration, or meal prep for the week, this dish is sure to please. With simple ingredients and a few key tips, you’ll be able to create a deeply flavorful Bolognese that will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the comforting taste of Italy with this classic recipe!