Hearty Pasta Bolognese

$- Ground meat options: I use 300g of ground beef and 150g of ground pork. You can swap the pork for more beef if you like. Both meats add rich flavors to the sauce. - Essential vegetables: Chop 1 onion finely. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Dice 1 medium carrot and 1 celery stalk finely. These vegetables create a tasty base for the sauce. - Key seasonings and sauces: Use 2 teaspoons of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. These herbs boost the flavor. Add 400g of canned chopped tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for a deep, rich taste. You also need 150ml of beef or vegetable broth. This helps to make the sauce smooth and flavorful. - Extras: Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Use 3 tablespoons of olive oil for cooking. Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese make perfect garnishes for serving. With these ingredients, you will create a classic Pasta Bolognese that is full of flavor in every bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely diced carrot, and 1 finely diced celery stalk. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to soften and release their flavors. This step builds a great base for your sauce. Next, raise the heat to medium-high. Add 300g of ground beef and 150g of ground pork. Cook until the meat is nicely browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. This browning adds depth to the final dish. Now, stir in 400g of canned chopped tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. These ingredients bring a rich flavor to your sauce. Then pour in 150ml of beef or vegetable broth. This helps to create a nice consistency. Add 2 teaspoons of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit more broth or water. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully. While the sauce simmers, cook 400g of spaghetti or tagliatelle. Boil a large pot of salted water and follow the package instructions. Aim for that perfect al dente texture. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Once the pasta is done, drain and set it aside. When your Bolognese sauce is ready, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the sauce over the pasta. For a lovely finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every rich bite! To make a rich Pasta Bolognese, slow cooking is key. This method allows the flavors to meld. When you simmer the sauce, it deepens and becomes more complex. Aim for at least 30-40 minutes of cooking time. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking. Balancing acidity in your sauce is important too. The canned tomatoes bring acidity, so we need to balance it. Adding a pinch of sugar can help. You might also try adding a splash of broth. This helps round out the flavors and makes the sauce taste delicious. When serving Pasta Bolognese, think about what to add. Fresh basil leaves on top add color and flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese is a must for a tasty finish. You can also drizzle some olive oil on top for extra richness. For presentation, serve in warmed bowls. This simple step makes your dish feel special. Make the meal inviting and fun to eat. Enjoy the process, and your guests will love it! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh basil into your Bolognese sauce at the end of cooking enhances the flavor and adds a burst of freshness. Don't Rush the Simmer: Allow your sauce to simmer slowly for a deeper flavor. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always cook your pasta in well-salted water. This is the only chance to season the pasta itself, enhancing the overall dish. Adjust Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, don't hesitate to add a splash of broth or water to achieve the desired consistency. {{image_2}} Looking for a twist on classic Pasta Bolognese? You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or mushrooms in place of meat. These add great texture and flavor. If you're vegan, replace beef broth with vegetable broth, and skip the cheese. When sourcing ingredients, check local markets for fresh produce. Farmers' markets often have great options. If you have allergies, read labels carefully. Many brands offer gluten-free pasta or sauces. Bolognese sauce varies by region in Italy. In Bologna, the sauce often has more meat and cream. In other areas, cooks might add red wine or milk for richness. Each region has its own special touch. Pasta pairings also differ. Tagliatelle is popular in Emilia-Romagna, while other parts of Italy might use farfalle or pappardelle. Experiment with different shapes to find your favorite! To keep your Pasta Bolognese fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place any leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container. It lasts up to three days in the fridge. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This prevents moisture, which can lead to spoilage. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze your Bolognese sauce. Use a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It stays good for about three months. Label the bags with the date, so you know when to use them. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To enjoy your Bolognese again, here are the best reheating methods: - Stovetop: Heat the sauce in a pan over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. - Microwave: Place the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps heat it evenly. These methods help keep the rich flavor and texture intact, so each bite tastes just as good as the first. Bolognese sauce comes from the city of Bologna in Italy. It has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. Originally, it was made with meat, vegetables, and wine. Each family had its own recipe, making it a beloved dish in many homes. The sauce is known for its deep, hearty taste. It reflects the Italian love for fresh, local ingredients. Over time, it has become popular worldwide, especially with pasta. Yes, you can make Bolognese sauce ahead of time. This sauce actually tastes better the next day. To prepare, cook the sauce fully and let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container and it can last up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. The best pasta for Bolognese sauce is spaghetti or tagliatelle. Both types hold the sauce well. Spaghetti is classic and easy to find. Tagliatelle adds a nice touch with its wide, flat shape. You can also try pappardelle or fettuccine for a twist. If you want a gluten-free option, use rice or lentil pasta. These choices will still let the rich sauce shine through. Classic Pasta Bolognese combines simple ingredients for rich taste. We explored each step: sautéing veggies and browning meats. The right balance of seasonings makes the sauce sing. Remember, slow cooking enhances flavors, while pasta should be al dente. Variations allow for creativity, from vegetarian options to regional styles. Store leftovers properly and reheat for the best flavor. Enjoy making this dish that is both comforting and versatile. Bolognese is a dish loved by many, and with practice, you can make it shine.$

A rich and flavorful Bolognese sauce served over pasta, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

400 g spaghetti or tagliatelle
300 g ground beef
150 g ground pork
1 unit onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 unit medium carrot, finely diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
400 g canned chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
150 ml beef or vegetable broth
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
to taste salt and pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
to garnish fresh basil leaves
to serve grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and ground pork. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.
Stir in the canned chopped tomatoes and tomato paste.
Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and add the dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more broth or water.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Once the Bolognese sauce is done, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the sauce over the pasta.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Serve in warmed bowls, and drizzle a little olive oil over the top for an extra touch of flavor.

Keyword Bolognese, comfort food, Italian cuisine, pasta