Can we all agree that hobbies are life’s flavorful kitchen spices? A sprinkle of creativity here, and a dash of mindfulness there, and voilà! You’ve got a scrumptious existence. True story: I’ve occasionally been so captivated by a yoga or painting session that I forget about dinner’s, uh, existence. Oops. But worry not, fellow hobby warriors! I’ve concocted the ultimate recipe that fuses culinary success with creative nirvana.
The pièce de résistance of this epicurean harmony? A Bolognese Meat Sauce both swift and swoon-worthy, granting more playtime for your heart’s desires. This saucy treasure rescues you in those moments when you think, “Nah, I can’t cook tonight; I have a novel to pen, a canvas to dazzle, or a Downward-Facing Dog to conquer.”
Get ready to uncover a Bolognese Meat Sauce that’ll hug you tighter than your favorite book or that elusive yoga pose. Wink, wink. It’s the brilliant, and might I add, borderline ingenious, culinary truce between our cherished hobbies and our famished families. So, whether you sport a painter’s smock, fountain pen, or yoga mat, let’s embark on this saucy, soul-hugging venture together—a masterful mealtime sorcery that leaves everyone stuffed with wonder.
Ingredients
- Butter, unsalted – The “silent hero” of the recipe, providing a rich and silky texture.
- White onion – The foundation of the sauce, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Carrots and celery – Adding extra sweetness, freshness, and vitamins.
- Garlic – Adding a spicy kick to the sauce.
- Tomato paste – The base of the sauce, contributing depth of flavor and balancing sweetness.
- Pancetta – Smoky and salty, adding flavor to the sauce.
- Ground beef and pork – The stars of the show, providing texture and protein.
- White wine – The “wild card,” adding acidity and depth of flavor.
- Milk – Giving the sauce a creamy texture.
- Beef stock – Adding richness and depth of flavor.
- Whole tomatoes – Adding freshness and acidity to the sauce.
- Parsley and bay leaves – Adding freshness and depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper – Bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Pasta of your choice – The perfect vessel for the sauce.
Instructions
- First things first, grab a heavy pot or Dutch oven, and let’s get started. Heat that bad boy up over medium-high heat, and toss in some butter (or if you’re feeling fancy, try a vegan alternative like Earth Balance). Add in some diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, along with a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste. Give everything a good stir and season with salt.
- As the vegetables start to soften, add in some pancetta (or for a vegetarian option, try some diced mushrooms). Keep stirring everything, letting the pancetta cook down and release all its deliciousness. Now, it’s time to add the meats – throw in a pound each of ground beef and ground pork, making sure to add it in thirds, so you don’t cool down the pan. Keep stirring, and let the liquids evaporate, so the meats can get a nice brown crust.
- When the meats are cooked through, it’s time to add in some white wine. Give the pan a good scrape to get all those brown bits off the bottom, and let the wine simmer for a bit to reduce. Now, stir in some milk, beef stock, and diced tomatoes, along with some bay leaves and parsley. Bring everything to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot, and let it cook for 4 hours, occasionally stirring.
- While the sauce is simmering, you can start preparing your pasta of choice (btw, rigatoni is a great choice for this sauce). Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, and you’ll have everything ready at the same time. When the sauce is done, remove the bay leaves and give it a taste. If it’s not thick enough for your liking, raise the heat a bit and let it cook uncovered for a few more minutes.
- Serve the sauce over the pasta and top with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan version). Dig in and enjoy this comforting and delicious Bolognese Meat Sauce. And hey, don’t forget to add some Parmesan cheese, it’s a must!
Serving Suggestions for Bolognese Meat Sauce
This Bolognese Meat Sauce recipe is a classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most of your delicious homemade sauce!
- Classic Pasta Pairing: Serve the Bolognese Meat Sauce over a plate of freshly cooked pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine, and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Baked Ziti: Layer cooked ziti pasta with the Bolognese Meat Sauce, grated mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of parmesan in a large casserole dish. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 25-30 minutes at 375°F.
- Meaty Lasagna: Mix the Bolognese Meat Sauce into your lasagna recipe for a delicious twist on the classic.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve the Bolognese Meat Sauce over a large scoop of creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal.
- French Dip Sandwiches: Use the Bolognese Meat Sauce as a dipping sauce for warm, crusty French rolls filled with sliced roast beef.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Bolognese Meat Sauce is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
FAQ’s
How can I make a vegan version of this Bolognese Meat Sauce recipe?
For a vegan version of this Bolognese Meat Sauce recipe, you could replace the ground beef and pork with plant-based meat alternatives, such as soy or seitan, and use a non-dairy milk and broth. You could also consider using mushrooms to provide a meaty texture. But, if you are looking for the closest experience to the original recipe, this one is not for you.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This Bolognese Meat Sauce recipe is actually better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it gently on the stove, and add a little water or broth if it needs to be loosened up.
How long should I simmer the sauce for?
This Bolognese Meat Sauce recipe should simmer on low, half-covered, for 4 hours. Now, let’s be real here, 4 hours might feel like eternity, but there’s no other way around this. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful and rich the sauce will be. Just make sure to give it a good stir every 30-40 minutes, and add a little more liquid if it starts to look too thick.
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Sure, you can use different types of meat in this recipe, such as ground turkey or ground chicken. You could even use ground lamb for a richer, more robust flavor. Just keep in mind that the fat content of different meats can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time or add more oil to the pot.
Is it necessary to use a Dutch oven for this recipe?
A heavy pot or Dutch oven is perfect for this recipe, as it distributes heat evenly and can withstand long simmering times. But if you don’t have one, don’t worry, a big enough regular pot or even a cast iron skillet will work just as well. Just make sure to watch the heat and stir frequently, so that the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Classic Bolognese Meat Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Grater
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 large white onion, finely diced
- 3 large carrots, finely diced
- 3 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 ounces pancetta, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup beef stock
- 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes, drained and crushed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound dried pasta of your choice
- Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the pancetta and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 5 minutes.
- Mix in the ground beef and pork, about 1/3 at a time, letting most of the liquid evaporate before adding more.
- Cook until all the meat is browned and no longer pink.
- Pour in the white wine and deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce the heat to prevent sticking, then mix in the milk, beef stock, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, half-covered, for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- During the last 10-12 minutes of cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package directions.
- Remove the bay leaves from the sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste. If the sauce is too thin, increase the heat and simmer uncovered until it has thickened.
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta and top with grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Notes
Cut the vegetables as evenly as possible for the best texture and presentation.
Adding a splash of red wine or beef broth can add depth to the flavor of the sauce.
For a creamier sauce, you can also add a bit of heavy cream towards the end of cooking.
Nutrition
