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Classic & Easy Weeknight Bolognese Sauce

A generous serving of rich bolognese sauce piled high on a nest of fresh fettuccine pasta.
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Make this rich, hearty bolognese sauce that tastes like it simmered all day, but is simple enough for your busy weeknight dinner routine. This authentic Italian meat sauce is a family favorite.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with beef broth)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound pasta (spaghetti or tagliatelle recommended)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. If using, pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Stir everything together well.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the bolognese sauce simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for up to 1.5 hours.
  7. Remove the bay leaf. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  9. Serve the rich, hearty bolognese sauce generously over your favorite pasta.

Notes

  • For an even richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork or veal.
  • If you are making this ahead of time, the flavor improves overnight. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for quick future meals.
  • This versatile sauce works perfectly as a lasagna meat sauce recipe.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://afripaket.com/bolognese-sauce-classic-easy-weeknight-recipe/