Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce
A timeless Italian dish that brings warmth and comfort, this hearty sauce is celebrated for its rich flavors and versatility.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound Ground Beef Lean ground beef is preferred to avoid greasiness.
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion Finely chopped.
- 1 medium Carrot Finely diced.
- 1 stalk Celery Finely chopped.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
Tomatoes
- 28 ounces Canned Crushed Tomatoes Opt for San Marzano tomatoes if available.
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup Beef Broth Use low-sodium broth.
Herbs and Spices
- 1 handful Fresh Basil Torn or chopped, added at the end.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prep them by dicing the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add diced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize.
- Add crushed tomatoes and mix well.
- Pour in beef broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.
- Let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- About 10 minutes before serving, stir in fresh basil.
- Remove from heat and serve over pasta or store for later use.
Notes
This sauce can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day. It freezes well for up to three months.