If you’re craving a dish that lovingly wraps you in warm, hearty comfort with every bite, this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce melds perfectly with tender pasta for a timeless flavor combination that feels like a big, delicious hug from Italy. It’s a dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with your authentic Italian cooking skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe is how uncomplicated the ingredients are, yet how essential each one is to building the deep, rich flavor and balanced texture we all love. From aromatic vegetables to hearty beef and fragrant herbs, every ingredient plays a starring role in this culinary masterpiece.
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity, smooth base for sautéing your vegetables gently.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and added depth in the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse that unmistakable sharp and savory aroma.
- Carrot: Finely diced for a natural sweetness and subtle texture.
- Celery stalk: Also finely diced to add a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that balances richness.
- Ground beef: The heart of the sauce, providing body and a juicy, hearty flavor.
- Dry red wine (optional): Adds complexity and a mellow acidity that brightens the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes: The vibrant, tangy foundation for the sauce’s deep red color.
- Tomato paste: Enhances the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Beef broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce luscious and moist.
- Dried oregano: Brings a slightly woodsy, herbaceous note.
- Dried basil: Adds floral, sweet undertones that balance perfectly with oregano.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Pasta (tagliatelle or spaghetti): Choose your favorite to hold the robust sauce lovingly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch that adds a salty, nutty richness.
How to Make Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery; cook them slowly until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step forms the aromatic base of your sauce, layering subtle sweetness and freshness that makes Bolognese so irresistible.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add your ground beef to the softened vegetables. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure even browning. This step is crucial because the caramelized bits of meat add a deep, savory flavor that gives the Bolognese its hearty personality.
Step 3: Add Red Wine
If you’re using red wine, pour it in now and let it simmer gently until it mostly evaporates. This process intensifies the sauce, giving it a wonderful complexity and slight acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef perfectly.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then add the beef broth. Sprinkle in oregano and basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Combine everything thoroughly for a well-blended sauce that promises bold but balanced flavors.
Step 5: Simmer Slowly
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to an hour. Stir it occasionally as it thickens and the flavors meld together into the velvety texture you expect from a true Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is nearing perfection, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and keep it ready to receive that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your pasta and generously ladle the rich Bolognese sauce over it. Don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese on top for that final layer of indulgent flavor that makes this dish shine.
How to Serve Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must—its nutty, salty richness complements the sauce beautifully. For a pop of color and freshness, a few torn basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate each plate irresistibly.
Side Dishes
Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette or some warm, crusty garlic bread. The greens offer a refreshing contrast, while the bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Bolognese sauce baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella or in individual ramekins topped with breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a gratin-style dish. These creative presentations bring a lovely textural contrast and make your meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe sauce will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier.
Freezing
This Bolognese sauce freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth or water if it thickens too much. This will restore its silky sauce texture without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can mix in pork or veal for a richer flavor or use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
What pasta works best with Bolognese sauce?
Tagliatelle and spaghetti are classic choices, but other pasta shapes with some surface texture like pappardelle or rigatoni also hold the sauce well and make every bite wonderfully satisfying.
Is red wine necessary for the sauce?
Red wine adds complexity but is optional. If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply skip it and add a little extra beef broth to maintain the liquid balance and depth of flavor.
How long should I simmer the Bolognese sauce?
Simmering for 45 minutes to an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken nicely. Longer cooking develops a richer taste, so do be patient and let it work its magic.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, replace ground meat with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The sauce will still deliver warmth and richness, though with a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe—a dish that’s wonderful in its simplicity yet endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re pulling together a cozy weeknight dinner or aiming to impress guests with a taste of Italy, this recipe offers a delicious, comforting experience every time. Give yourself the joy of making it and savor every bite like it was made just for you.
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Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic Italian Pasta Bolognese recipe features a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce made with ground beef, vegetables, and a blend of herbs, served over perfectly cooked tagliatelle or spaghetti. An easy-to-follow recipe that results in a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz pasta (tagliatelle or spaghetti)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook the mixture until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned throughout, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry red wine, if using, and allow it to simmer until it has mostly evaporated, which enhances the sauce’s depth of flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Serve: Spoon the rich Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta. Finish the dish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, allow the sauce to simmer longer if time permits.
- Using red wine is optional, but it adds a lovely complexity to the sauce.
- Tagliatelle is the traditional pasta choice for Bolognese, but spaghetti works well too.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust seasoning at the end of cooking to taste.
