Description
This Homemade Bolognese Sauce is a rich and hearty Italian classic, slow-simmered to perfection with ground beef, pork sausage, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly balanced with a splash of red wine and cream, this sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 lb pork sausage
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 28 oz canned whole or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, grated carrot, and diced celery, sautéing them for 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Meat: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef and pork sausage to the pot. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute. Then add the canned whole or crushed tomatoes along with their juices to the pot.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to incorporate their flavor. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the sauce simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour to develop deep flavors.
- Finish with Cream and Seasoning: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the milk or cream to add richness and mellow the acidity. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil to taste. Stir well and cook for the remaining few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor—San Marzano tomatoes are ideal.
- Simmering time can be extended for a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
- Substitute half-and-half if you prefer a lighter creaminess rather than heavy cream.
- This sauce can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
- Great served over tagliatelle, pappardelle, or your favorite pasta shape.
