Description
A classic Pasta Bolognese recipe featuring a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, tomato, and herbs, served over tagliatelle pasta. This hearty Italian comfort food is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, delivering deep flavors from simmering the sauce until tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 celery sticks, small diced
- 2 carrot sticks, peeled and small diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Pasta and Garnish
- 16 ounces Tagliatelle pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- Chopped parsley, for serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables soften, releasing their flavors.
- Cook Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot, season with salt and black pepper. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned and crumbled, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Simmer with Milk: Pour in the whole milk and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the milk mostly evaporates. This process tenderizes the beef and takes about 10 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, and oregano. Mix well to combine all ingredients, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours to develop deep flavors. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce is finishing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tagliatelle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve: Divide the cooked pasta into individual bowls, spoon the Bolognese sauce over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- The longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavor – consider simmering up to 2 hours if time permits.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Adding a splash of red wine during the tomato simmering stage can enhance the sauce’s richness.
- Leftover sauce keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
