The BEST Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Table of Contents
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of pasta coated in rich, hearty Bolognese sauce. This BEST Bolognese Sauce Recipe is a timeless Italian classic that’s slow-simmered to perfection for deep, savory flavor. Made with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and a splash of milk, it’s the ultimate comfort food that tastes even better the next day.
Perfect for Sunday dinners or cozy weeknights, this homemade bolognese sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, pappardelle, or lasagna — a truly crowd-pleasing dish that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Bolognese Sauce
- Rich and flavorful: Long-simmered for depth and texture.
- Authentic Italian taste: Balanced blend of beef, tomato, and herbs.
- Meal-prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
- Versatile: Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or stuffed peppers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup dry red wine (optional, but adds depth)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make Bolognese Sauce
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and meat: Stir in minced garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Deglaze: Pour in red wine (if using) and simmer until reduced by half.
- Add tomatoes & seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer slowly: Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for at least 30–45 minutes (the longer, the better).
- Finish with milk: Stir in milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a silky, rich texture.
Tips for the Best Homemade Bolognese Sauce
- Simmer low and slow: The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor.
- Use quality tomatoes: San Marzano or Italian-style tomatoes work best.
- Don’t skip the milk: It balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds creaminess.
- Make ahead: This sauce freezes beautifully — perfect for future pasta nights!
What to Serve with Bolognese Sauce
This BEST Bolognese Sauce Recipe pairs perfectly with:
- Tagliatelle or spaghetti 🍝
- Fresh pappardelle noodles
- Lasagna layers or baked ziti
- Crusty garlic bread and a side salad
FAQs
Can I make this Bolognese sauce ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely — just note that leaner meats will produce a lighter sauce.
How long does it last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This BEST Bolognese Sauce Recipe is everything a classic Italian dish should be — rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy date night, this sauce brings authentic comfort to your table every time. 🇮🇹🍷
