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Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian meat-based pasta sauce that has gained widespread popularity for its rich and hearty flavors. Originating from the city of Bologna in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, this sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and has become a favorite in households and restaurants around the world.

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

1 hr 20 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 30 mins

Servings:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, minced

4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 clove garlic, minced

1 pound lean ground beef

½ pound ground pork

1 (28 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes

½ pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

6 ounces tomato sauce

2 carrots, shredded

1 stalk celery, chopped

½ cup dry white wine

½ cup chicken stock

½ teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

1 pound pasta

Directions

Step 1

Warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, bacon, and garlic in hot oil until bacon is browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon mixture to a paper towel-lined plate to drain; set aside.

Step 2

Place the same large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef and pork in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease.

Step 3

Stir bacon mixture, tomatoes, mushrooms, tomato sauce, carrots, celery, wine, stock, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper into meat mixture. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer sauce for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook in boiling water until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain.

Step 5

Serve sauce over hot pasta.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

472

Calories

20g

Fat

47g

Carbs

23g

Protein

Complement

The traditional Bolognese sauce is made with a combination of ground meat, such as beef, pork, or veal, cooked with onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, and simmered for hours to develop a deep, savory flavor. The addition of red wine, milk, and a touch of nutmeg further enhances the complexity of the sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying accompaniment to pasta dishes. While there are many variations of Bolognese sauce, the authentic recipe has been cherished for generations and is often passed down through families, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Italy. Whether served over spaghetti, rigatoni, or pappardelle, Bolognese sauce is a timeless and cherished component of Italian cuisine, loved for its robust flavors and comforting appeal.