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Classic & Easy Weeknight Bolognese Sauce

A close-up of spaghetti noodles generously topped with thick, rich bolognese sauce in a white bowl.
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Make this rich, hearty Bolognese sauce that tastes like it simmered all day, perfect for your busy weeknight dinner. This recipe delivers authentic Italian flavor simply.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with beef broth)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream (optional, for richness)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. If using, pour in the red wine and let it simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until the liquid reduces by half.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it cook for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. For the best flavor, simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  7. If you want a richer sauce, stir in the milk or cream during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
  8. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.

Notes

  • For an even deeper flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork or veal.
  • This hearty beef sauce freezes very well; cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
  • If you skip the wine, increase the beef broth by 1/2 cup to maintain liquid volume.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/easy-weeknight-bolognese-sauce-recipe/