Get ready to fall madly in love with Bolognese Pasta, an absolute classic Italian favorite that turns pantry staples into something positively irresistible. With its rich, savory sauce brimming with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a seductive hint of red wine, every bite feels like a cozy Italian embrace. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, the depth of flavor, silky pasta, and sprinkle of Parmesan are guaranteed to win over hearts at your table. Once you master this Bolognese Pasta, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, carefully chosen, are the backbone of an unforgettable Bolognese Pasta. Each one brings its own touch of flavor, richness, or vibrant color, combining to create that signature depth only a lovingly cooked sauce can deliver.
- Ground beef (1 lb, 85% lean): The hearty, savory base of our sauce, providing both substance and flavor.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and balances the savoriness of the beef.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with subtle aromatic warmth.
- Carrot (1, finely grated): Brings a light touch of sweetness and bright color.
- Celery (1 stalk, finely chopped): Lends a gentle earthiness and classic Italian “soffritto” flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates tomato richness for that iconic color and depth.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): Forms the saucy, tangy backbone of the Bolognese.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds a silky, creamy finish and balances acidity.
- Dry red wine (1/2 cup): Deepens the sauce with complex, aromatic notes (don’t skip!).
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A must for Italian herbiness that perfumes the whole dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors of all those gorgeous ingredients.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth; freshly cracked is best.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a hint delivers welcome gentle heat.
- Pasta (12 oz, tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti): Choose a long shape—it’s perfect for catching that luscious sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): The start of every great Italian sauce, for sautéeing and richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese & chopped parsley (for garnish): The finishing touch—sharp, salty, and fresh!
How to Make Bolognese Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, and finely chopped celery. Let them sizzle and soften for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally—you’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells absolutely incredible. This is the foundation of deep flavor in every great Bolognese Pasta.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! This step infuses the whole base with that irresistible Italian aroma that builds anticipation for every bowl of Bolognese Pasta.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Crumble the ground beef into your pan, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6–8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off so your Bolognese Pasta sauce stays balanced and not greasy.
Step 4: Toast the Tomato Paste
Clear a small space in the pan and add the tomato paste. Cook it for about 2 minutes, stirring it into the beef and veggies. This simple step intensifies the natural sweetness and savory tang of your sauce.
Step 5: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry red wine, scraping up any brown bits that stick to the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until the liquid reduces slightly. This is where the Bolognese Pasta starts getting its luxurious complexity.
Step 6: Build the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, whole milk, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low. Let your sauce simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together, and the sauce will thicken to the perfect consistency for clinging to strands of pasta.
Step 7: Cook the Pasta
As the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously—it’s a small move with big flavor payoff. Once al dente, drain the pasta and don’t forget to reserve a ladle of pasta water just in case your sauce needs a little loosening later.
Step 8: Bring It All Together
Toss the hot pasta directly into the rich Bolognese sauce, tossing to coat every last strand or ribbon. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for silkiness. Serve hot, then shower each bowl with fresh Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. Just wait for the happy sighs around your table!
How to Serve Bolognese Pasta
Garnishes
Nothing elevates a bowl of Bolognese Pasta quite like a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a flutter of chopped fresh parsley. The cheese melts into the hot sauce, adding a salty finish, while the parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. For an extra treat, try a little drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even a sprinkle of lemon zest!
Side Dishes
Serve your Bolognese Pasta with a side of warm, crusty Italian bread to mop up any leftover sauce—absolutely essential! A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish perfectly, and if you’re feeling festive, a glass of red wine will make the meal feel utterly special.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, twirl your Bolognese Pasta into little nests for each plate and top with extra Parmesan and parsley. If you want something playful, pile it high in a rustic family-style bowl and pass it around the table. Individual ramekins topped with a dab of ricotta or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs add a gourmet flair, especially for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bolognese Pasta keeps wonderfully! Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious for quick lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooled Bolognese sauce (without the pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and tossing with freshly cooked pasta for that just-made taste.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the Bolognese Pasta sauce gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk if needed to loosen it. For pasta already mixed with sauce, microwave in short increments with a cover, stirring often to avoid drying out or overheating spots.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! Bolognese Pasta is quite versatile—try ground turkey for a lighter version or even half beef, half pork for richer, more traditional flavor. Just be sure to brown the meat thoroughly for best results.
What kind of pasta is best for Bolognese Pasta?
Tagliatelle and pappardelle are traditional favorites because the wide noodles perfectly capture the luscious sauce, but spaghetti or even rigatoni work beautifully as well. Use what you love or have on hand!
Do I have to use wine in the sauce?
While wine gives classic depth and aroma to Bolognese Pasta, you can substitute with beef broth or simply omit it if preferred. The sauce will still be hearty and delicious, though the flavor won’t be quite as complex.
How can I make this sauce even richer?
If you have extra time, let the sauce simmer longer—up to an hour—or finish with a small pat of butter stirred in before serving. This slow-cooking technique allows all the ingredients to meld into a deeply savory, velvety sauce.
Is Bolognese Pasta kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s a go-to favorite for families. For little ones, you may want to skip the red pepper flakes or reduce seasoning, but the classic flavors and hearty texture are always a crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one dish almost guaranteed to bring smiles and happy bellies, it’s Bolognese Pasta. Take your time, savor the process, and don’t be surprised when you’re asked for the recipe after dinner. Give it a try—your kitchen (and your friends and family) will thank you!
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Bolognese Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic and hearty Italian dish, Bolognese Pasta features a rich and savory meat sauce served over pasta, garnished with Parmesan and parsley. This recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Bolognese Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened. Add garlic, then brown the ground beef. Stir in tomato paste and cook. Add wine, then tomatoes, milk, and seasonings. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Combine and Serve: Toss drained pasta with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce longer (up to 1 hour).
- You can substitute beef with ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
