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Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce

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Homemade Bolognese Sauce

This homemade Bolognese sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. 

Packed with tender ground beef, simmered with beef broth, tomatoes, and herbs, this sauce will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas.

Perfect for a cozy dinner or when you’re craving something indulgent, this sauce is simple to make yet bursting with deep, savory flavors. 

It’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels just like a restaurant dish—made right in your own home!

For Bolognese Sauce:

  • Olive Oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and start the base for the sauce.
  • Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
  • Garlic – Infuses the sauce with rich, savory flavor.
  • Carrot – Adds subtle sweetness and balance to the sauce.
  • Celery – Enhances the depth of flavor and adds freshness.
  • Ground Beef – Provides the hearty, meaty texture for the sauce.
  • Beef Broth – Helps deglaze the pot and adds acidity and depth to the sauce.
  • Whole Milk – Adds creaminess to the sauce, making it smooth and rich.
  • Whole Tomatoes – Forms the base of the sauce, contributing a fresh, slightly tangy flavor.
  • Tomato Paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning – A mix of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
  • Bay Leaf – Adds an earthy, aromatic layer of flavor.
  • Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.

For Serving:

  • Pappardelle (or Long Pasta) – The best type of pasta to pair with the thick, rich Bolognese sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese – For a finishing touch of sharp, salty flavor.

Homemade Bolognese Sauce

Craving a hearty, savory pasta dish that feels like a special treat? This homemade Bolognese sauce is the perfect balance of rich, meaty flavors and herbs to create a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your kitchen
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Course: Pasta, Sauce
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Homemade Bolognese Sauce
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Notes

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 ½ lb lean ground beef
  • 1 ¼ cups 
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes, with juices
  • 4 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Pappardelle or any long pasta, for serving
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
 

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
    • Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
  2. Add minced garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot.
    • Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
  3. Add ground beef.
    • Break apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no pink remains.
    • Drain any excess fat.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, until it reduces.
    • Add the milk and simmer for another 8 minutes.
  5. Stir in whole tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.
    • Break up the tomatoes with a spoon.
    • Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
    • Reserve 1 ½ cups of pasta cooking water and drain the pasta well.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce, adding the reserved pasta water if needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
  8. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 359 kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 571mg | Potassium: 929mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2112 IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 4mg
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  1. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of whole tomatoes?

If you’re short on time or just want to simplify things, you can definitely swap in a high-quality marinara sauce for the whole tomatoes. Just make sure it’s a simple one with no added sugars or spices for the best result!

  1. How do I make this recipe faster without sacrificing flavor?

To speed things up, chop your vegetables finely or even use a food processor. This way, they’ll cook faster, and you’ll still get all the flavor in less time. Easy peasy!

  1. Can I prep the Bolognese sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it often tastes better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. It’s a total time-saver!

  1. How do I make sure the sauce is the perfect consistency?

If the sauce gets too thick, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This not only helps adjust the texture but also helps the sauce cling to your pasta better. Just toss and enjoy!

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