Easy Bolognaise Sauce Recipe

This recipe is a delightful hug in a pot, combining the nostalgic flavors of my childhood with a touch of sophistication from the red wine. It’s a perfect way to slow down and savor the simple joys of cooking, while filling my kitchen with the irresistible aromas of a hearty, homemade meal.

I adore the deep and delightful tastes of my Easy Bolognaise Sauce. With onions and garlic sautéed to perfection and a finely chopped array of nutrition-laden vegetables like carrot and celery, the basic ingredient ensemble of this sauce is mouthwateringly flavorful.

My Bolognaise is a full-bodied potion, thanks to the ground beef—that’s right, beef—and a combination of aromatic herbs that could probably stand in for a sauce on their own. But the real standout element of this sauce is depth, and for that, I rely on my pal red wine.

Easy Bolognaise Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that adds richness and aids in cooking.
• Ground Beef: Rich in protein, it offers a hearty base and robust flavor.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and is known for immune-boosting properties.
• Carrot: Provides natural sweetness and is a good source of fiber.
• Celery: Adds crunch and fiber, complementing the sauce’s texture.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a concentrated richness.
• Red Wine: Adds depth and complexity, enhancing the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Offer a fresh, juicy base rich in vitamins A and C.

Easy Bolognaise Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 500g ground beef
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine
• 400g canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup beef broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for serving)

How to Make this Easy Bolognaise Sauce Recipe

1. Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic, chopped carrot, and chopped celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking up the chunks with a wooden spoon until the meat is uniform and brown all over.

4. Combine the tomato paste with the beef and vegetables so that they are thoroughly coated. This is not sauce yet. It is mix.’ Stir well, and cook for a couple of minutes until the mixture is bubbling and seems only a moment away from rejoining the rest of its tomato-peace.

5. Add the red wine, making sure to scrape any browned bits loose from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer, and do not forget to set a timer for 5 minutes, at which point the wine should be reduced by half.

6. Combine the following: the canned diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.

7. Add the beef broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 45 to 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce isn’t sticking to the bottom and to the sides of the pot.

8. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and black pepper as needed.

9. Should the sauce be too thick, add more beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

10. Before serving, make sure to remove the bay leaf. The pasta of your choice is then ready to be topped with the bolognese sauce, with the optional addition of grated Parmesan cheese.

Easy Bolognaise Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan
2. Wooden spoon
3. Measuring spoons and cups
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Timer
7. Can opener
8. Grater (for optional Parmesan cheese)

FAQ

• Can I use another type of meat instead of ground beef?Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a meat-free alternative can take the place of ground beef in this dish. For a vegetarian version, use a meat-free alternative.
• Is it possible to make this sauce without wine?Indeed, the wine can be replaced with an equal measure of beef broth, or if you want a non-alcoholic substitute, use grape juice.
• How can I thicken the Bolognaise sauce?Let it simmer uncovered longer if you want to cut down the liquid. Or, if you really need to use a thickening agent, stir in some cornstarch.
• Can I make this sauce ahead of time?This sauce accrues flavor even better if you make it a day ahead of time and hold it in the refrigerator.
• What kind of pasta pairs best with Bolognaise sauce?Usually, excellent options consist of spaghetti, tagliatelle, fettuccine, or pappardelle.
• Is it necessary to use olive oil?You can use another vegetable oil with a high smoke point, if preferred, while olive oil is traditional for its flavor.
• How long can the sauce be stored?The sauce may be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in a container that seals tightly to keep air out. If you want to keep the sauce for longer, freeze it, and it will be good for 3 months. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight and use it the next day.

Easy Bolognaise Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil: Replace with an equal measure of vegetable oil or canola oil.
Ground turkey: Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken in place of lighter options.
Substitute for Red Wine:
For a non-alcoholic equivalent, use the same amount of beef broth mixed with grape juice. You can also use an equal amount of grape juice and a splash of vinegar.
Dried oregano:
Substitute with:
1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, or
1/2 teaspoon of thyme.
Beef broth: Substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. Develop Extra Flavor with Herbs Instead of using only dried oregano and basil, consider adding a sprig of fresh thyme or a few fresh basil leaves during the simmering process for a fresh aromatic boost. Remove them before serving for a subtle yet enhanced flavor.

2. Use High-Quality Meat Opt for a blend of ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (such as 80/20) for a richer and more flavorful sauce. This extra fat can prevent the dish from becoming too dry and improves the overall depth of flavor.

3. Layer Your Ingredients Thoughtfully When adding the tomato paste in step 4, let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to caramelize it slightly. This step helps to deepen the tomato flavor and integrate it better with the meat.

4. Enhance the Wine Flavor If you want to intensify the flavor imparted by the red wine, choose a bold variety like a Cabernet Sauvignon. Also, consider letting the wine reduce a little more than halfway for a more concentrated taste.

5. Let It Sit After cooking, allow the sauce to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving, or better yet, prepare the sauce a day in advance. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more cohesive dish. Reheat gently before serving.