Bolognese Pasta

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: Tagliatelle or fettuccine works best with Bolognese. However, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as spaghetti or penne, if that’s what you have on hand.

Ground Meat: I love using a mix of ground beef and pork for flavor. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

White Wine: This adds depth to the sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth for richness without the wine.

Milk: Whole milk gives creaminess. If you’re lactose intolerant, try almond milk or any plant-based milk for less creaminess, but it’ll still work.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for serving. Pecorino Romano can be a great alternative too. If you’re vegan, sprinkle nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy flavor.

How Do You Make the Bolognese Sauce Perfectly?

Making the perfect Bolognese sauce takes time and patience, but it’s worth it! The key is to layer flavors as you cook. Here’s how to do it:

• Start with a mixture of aromatic vegetables: onions, carrots, and celery (the holy trinity in many Italian dishes). This creates a flavor base that’s essential.
• Brown the meat well. Don’t rush this step; it adds a rich taste to the sauce.
• Deglaze the pan with wine (if you’re using it) to lift all those delicious bits stuck to the bottom.
• Let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 45 minutes. This helps it thicken and develops that delicious, rich Bolognese flavor.

Remember, the longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be! Enjoy cooking and your meal! 🍽️

Bolognese Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Bolognese Pasta recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 45 minutes of cooking time, plus the time needed to boil the pasta. So, plan for around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes total to enjoy this comforting meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Boil the Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is where you’ll cook your pasta to al dente perfection. Once it’s boiling, add the tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions. When it’s done, drain the pasta, but save a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté gently for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned. This creates a flavorful base for your sauce!

3. Brown the Meat

Increase the heat to medium-high and add in the ground meat. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir until the meat is browned all over—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the meat is no longer pink!

4. Add Wine (Optional)

If you’re using white wine, pour it into the pan now! Let it simmer for a few minutes until most of the wine has evaporated. This step enhances the overall flavor of your Bolognese.

5. Stir in Milk

Next, add the whole milk to the meat mixture. Let it cook for a few minutes until it reduces slightly. This will add creaminess to your sauce.

6. Mix in Tomatoes and Seasonings

Now it’s time to add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried oregano. Stir everything together and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.

7. Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the sauce thicken and allow the flavors to develop beautifully. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

8. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, toss the drained pasta into the Bolognese sauce. Make sure all the pasta is well coated with the sauce. You can add a little more reserved pasta water here if needed!

9. Serve and Garnish

Serve your Bolognese Pasta in bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that delicious finishing touch!

Enjoy your authentic and comforting Bolognese Pasta! Buon appetito! 🍽️

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lighter alternative. It will give you a different flavor profile but is still delicious. Just make sure to season it well since turkey is milder compared to beef.

Can I Make This Sauce Vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian Bolognese! Substitute the meat with a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and lentils or use a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Can I Freeze Bolognese Sauce?

Definitely! Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating, and enjoy it on a busy night!