Savory Beef Bolognese Pasta

Nothing feels as comforting as a generous bowl of beef Bolognese made from scratch The slow-simmered tomato and tender beef create a rich sauce that clings to each strand of pasta making it a dish I love to bring out for family gatherings and cozy nights at home

I remember making this for a snowy Sunday dinner when my friends were craving something hearty It was so popular everyone went back for seconds and now I keep the ingredients stocked all winter long

Ingredients

• Ground beef: brings richness and makes the sauce satisfying Always choose beef with a little fat for the best flavor
• Onion: forms the base adding gentle sweetness Look for firm fresh onions with unblemished skins
• Garlic: gives a punch of savory flavor Freshly minced garlic tastes best and is worth the extra effort
• Carrot and celery: add subtle sweetness and balance plus extra texture Choose carrots without cracks and crisp celery stalks
• Crushed tomatoes: are the heart of the sauce Pick a good quality canned tomato for the brightest balanced taste
• Tomato paste: provides depth Make sure it is concentrated and deep red
• Dried oregano and basil: bring classic Italian fragrance Use dried herbs from a fresh jar for maximum aroma
• Salt black pepper red pepper flakes: add the right kick and bring all the flavors together Adjust amounts to taste
• Beef broth: gives body to the sauce Use low sodium if you want to control salt
• Whole milk: melts in at the end for a creamy texture Do not skip this as it smooths the sauce beautifully
• Olive oil: starts everything off with flavor and richness Choose extra virgin for the best taste
• Spaghetti or pasta: is the perfect backdrop Choose traditional spaghetti or your favorite gluten free variety
• Fresh basil parsley grated Parmesan: These are for garnish and finishing touches Pick fresh leaves and use real Parmesan for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Vegetables:

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add diced onion carrot and celery Stir and cook for about eight minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions look golden This builds a sweet flavorful base

Add Garlic:

Now stir in the minced garlic Let it cook for one minute so it becomes fragrant but not browned

Brown the Beef:

Increase the heat to medium high Crumble in the ground beef Cook for about seven minutes breaking the meat apart as it browns When the beef has lost its pink color and is getting crispy on the edges drain off any extra fat

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste Shake in the dried oregano dried basil salt black pepper and if you love a little heat the red pepper flakes Mix well so everything is evenly coated

Simmer the Sauce:

Add the beef broth Lower the heat and let the whole sauce simmer gently for about thirty minutes Leave the lid off and stir every so often This lets the flavors deepen and the sauce thicken

Finish with Milk:

Stir in the whole milk and let the sauce continue to gently simmer for another ten minutes The milk rounds out the flavors and gives the sauce a smooth finish

Cook the Pasta:

While the sauce finishes bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil Drop in the spaghetti Cook it just until al dente then drain well and set aside

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon the hot Bolognese sauce generously over plates of spaghetti Top with ribbons of fresh basil or a handful of chopped parsley Add a shower of grated Parmesan if you like

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My favorite part of this recipe is the step where whole milk gets stirred into the rich tomato beef sauce It reminds me of childhood dinners at my grandmother’s house where a little milk or even cream was always the secret to velvety Italian sauces Every time I make this I think of the big old wooden table crowded with family and laughter

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days The flavors get even better overnight If you want to keep it longer freeze portions for up to three months Thaw overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey chicken or plant based crumbles for something lighter For a vegetarian version use lentils instead of meat and vegetable broth in place of beef broth Dairy free milk works in place of whole milk but choose one that is unsweetened and neutral

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sauce over other pasta shapes such as rigatoni or pappardelle Sometimes I use zoodles or roasted spaghetti squash for a lighter twist A crisp green salad and warm crusty garlic bread make it a sure crowd pleaser

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Cultural Context

Bolognese sauce known as ragu alla bolognese comes from Bologna in northern Italy Traditionally it is simmered for hours and served not on spaghetti but with tagliatelle Each household has its own secret touch and tradition

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I boost the sauce's flavor?

Simmer the sauce longer to deepen its richness or add a splash of red wine for a bolder taste.

→ What pasta pairs best with beef Bolognese?

Spaghetti is classic, but rigatoni, fettuccine, or any hearty pasta shape works well to hold the sauce.

→ Can I make this dish gluten free?

Simply use a gluten free pasta of your choice to enjoy this Bolognese gluten free.

→ Are there lighter or vegetarian alternatives?

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, or try cooked lentils in place of meat for a vegetarian variation.

→ What garnishes complement Bolognese pasta?

Fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese enhance the dish with extra color and flavor.