Go Back
+ servings
Beef Bolognese Recipe

Hearty Beef Bolognese Recipe: Comfort Food Delight

This Beef Bolognese recipe is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil or butter.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely diced.
  • 2 medium Carrots Finely diced; can replace with bell peppers.
  • 2 stalks Celery Finely diced; fennel can be substituted.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 cup Red Wine Can substitute with beef broth or grape juice.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Can use fresh tomatoes for a fresh twist.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Add more for a richer taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Italian seasoning blend works as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Fresh basil can be used; double the amount.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf Discard after cooking.
  • 1/2 cup Milk or Heavy Cream Consider half-and-half or non-dairy cream.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef Bolognese Recipe
  1. Begin by finely dicing the onion, carrots, and celery, and mincing the garlic. Set aside.
  2. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 7-10 minutes until softened.
  3. Push sautéed vegetables to the side and add ground beef. Brown the beef for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then add bay leaf and simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
  7. Stir in milk or cream and simmer again for 15-20 minutes for a creamy texture.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Thin with water or extra milk if too thick.
  9. Remove bay leaf and serve over al dente pasta, garnished with Parmesan cheese and herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

For best results, follow expert tips for brown meat thoroughly and allow sauce to simmer properly.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!