Go Back
+ servings
Beef Bolognese Recipe

Comforting Beef Bolognese Recipe to Warm Your Heart

A rich and satisfying Beef Bolognese recipe that brings loved ones together with its comforting flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 pound lean ground beef opt for lean to keep it lighter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil butter can be used for creamier taste
  • 1 medium onion can swap for shallots
  • 2 medium carrots finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery can leave out if preferred
  • 4 cloves garlic or use 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup red wine or use broth for a non-alcoholic alternative
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes fresh tomatoes can replace canned
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste can increase crushed tomatoes if out of paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or use fresh versions
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or use fresh versions
  • 1 leaf bay leaf remember to remove before serving
  • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream evaporated milk is lighter choice
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery, then mince the garlic. Gather on a cutting board for easy access.
  2. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 7-10 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  3. Push vegetables to the side and add ground beef, cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  4. Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, stirring to lift browned bits. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Add bay leaf and bring to a simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in milk or heavy cream and allow to meld for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, adding water or milk for desired consistency.
  9. Discard the bay leaf and serve over pasta, finishing with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This Beef Bolognese freezes well, so consider making a double batch for quick meals later.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!