Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the rich flavors of this homemade Bolognese sauce, a classic Italian dish that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. With a perfect blend of vegetables, meat, and savory seasonings, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary skills and impress your taste buds. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this delectable sauce from scratch.
General Information:
- Name: Bolognese Sauce
- Description: Make and share this Bolognese Sauce recipe from lovewithrecipes.com.
- Category: Pork
- Keywords: Vegetable, Meat, European, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 8
- Aggregated Rating: 4.5 stars based on 16 reviews
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 291.4
- Fat Content: 15.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 6.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 55.2mg
- Sodium Content: 437.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 14.4g
- Fiber Content: 2.4g
- Sugar Content: 6.1g
- Protein Content: 18.2g
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3-4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces tomato puree
- 1 can (about 14 ounces) whole tomatoes, crushed
- 1 cup wine
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons milk (for serving)
Instructions:
-
Prepare Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the carrots, celery, onion, and mincing the garlic clove. Set aside.
-
-
Cook Ground Beef Mixture:
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the ground beef, chopped carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic.
- Cook until the meat is no longer raw, ensuring not to brown it.
-
Add Milk:
- Drain off any excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Pour in 1 cup of milk and allow it to simmer until the liquid reduces, about 10 minutes.
-
Incorporate Wine:
- Once the milk has reduced, add the wine to the pan.
- Continue to simmer until the liquid reduces again, approximately 10 more minutes.
-
Combine Broth and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the chicken broth, tomato puree, and crushed whole tomatoes into the pan with the meat mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for about three hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
-
Thicken Sauce:
- After three hours, the meat should have broken down, and the sauce will appear very thick. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
-
Final Touch:
- Just before serving, stir in an additional 2 tablespoons of milk. This adds a creamy richness to the sauce.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta, such as rotini, and savor the delicious flavors of this homemade Italian masterpiece.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this Bolognese sauce with al dente rotini pasta for a satisfying meal.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad and crusty bread to complete the meal.
Tips for Success:
- For a vegetarian twist, substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms.
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor results.
- Make a double batch of this sauce and freeze it in portions for quick and easy weeknight meals.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs like basil and oregano.
Conclusion:
With its rich aroma and robust flavor profile, this homemade Bolognese sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served at a dinner party, this versatile sauce is bound to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine. Buon appetito! 🍝
