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A close-up of rich, dark bolognese sauce generously spooned over a bed of fresh tagliatelle pasta in a white bowl.

Authentic Slow-Simmered Bolognese Sauce

  • Author: Ahazzam
  • Total Time: 3 hours 55 min
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A traditional recipe for a rich, deeply flavored meat sauce cooked slowly for maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 4 ounces pancetta, finely diced
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, good quality
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery (soffritto) to the pot. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Do not brown them.
  4. Add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it is browned throughout. Drain off any excess fat.
  5. Pour in the red wine. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the wine has almost completely evaporated, about 8 minutes.
  6. Pour in the whole milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the milk has evaporated, about 10 minutes. This step tenderizes the meat.
  7. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  8. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, and the reserved crisp pancetta. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Bring the sauce to a very low simmer. Cover the pot partially, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
  10. Cook slowly for a minimum of 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of water or broth.
  11. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve over fresh tagliatelle pasta.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a mix of beef and pork, and do not skip the milk addition.
  • This sauce freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
  • The long, slow simmer is crucial for developing the deep, traditional flavor.
  • Prep Time: 25 min
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 10
  • Sodium: 550
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15
  • Trans Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 20
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 35
  • Cholesterol: 110

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Find it online: https://gourmetgusto.net/authentic-slow-simmered-bolognese-sauce-best/