Name: Classic Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 1 carrot, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; ½ cup milk; ¼ cup red wine (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Italian seasoning, to taste

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If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing authentic Italian comfort in a bowl, this Classic Bolognese Recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine rich, slow-simmered meat sauce combining perfectly browned ground beef, the natural sweetness of sautéed carrots and onions, and the tangy depth of tomato sauce—all slowly marrying together with a touch of milk and optional red wine for that extra velvety finish. It’s a sauce that refuses to be rushed, rewarding your patience with deeply layered flavors that cling lovingly to every strand of pasta or zucchini noodle you serve it with. Trust me, once you try this Classic Bolognese Recipe, regular weeknight dinners will feel like a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A plate of spaghetti with sauce on top placed on a white marbled surface. The spaghetti is in a loose round shape, yellowish in color with a smooth texture. On top is a layer of thick red-brown meat sauce covering the center of the pasta. Lightly sprinkled over the sauce is a fine layer of grated white cheese giving a powdery texture. A woman's hand is partially visible holding the edge of the plate. The plate itself is white with a simple round shape. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

It’s amazing how just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something so comforting and delicious. Each element in this Classic Bolognese Recipe plays a key role—whether it’s the aromatic veggies that build the sauce’s base, the beef for hearty richness, or the milk and wine that smooth and elevate the texture.

1 lb ground beef: Choose fresh, lean beef to ensure a meaty, tender sauce without excess grease.
1 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
1 carrot, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and a lovely texture contrast to balance the acidity.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable fragrant warmth.
1 cup tomato sauce: The rich base of the sauce providing robust tomato flavor and luscious color.
½ cup milk: Softens the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce a silky finish.
¼ cup red wine (optional): Adds complexity and depth, simmered down to enhance without overpowering.
2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing your aromatics, lending fruitiness and body to the sauce.
Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning: Essential seasonings to wake up all the flavors and create that classic Italian profile.

How to Make Classic Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the chopped onion, carrot, and minced garlic, sautéing gently for about three minutes. This softens the vegetables and releases their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful base that’s the foundation of your sauce’s depth.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to your skillet with the softened vegetables, breaking it apart as you cook it. Brown the meat well until it’s no longer pink and some caramelized bits appear on the pan. This step is critical—it develops savory flavors through the Maillard reaction and ensures your sauce has that rich, meaty backbone.

Step 3: Add the Sauces and Simmer

Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by the milk and optional red wine. Stir everything together, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of your skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow cooking melds all the flavors together while thickening the sauce into a luscious, hearty masterpiece.

How to Serve Classic Bolognese Recipe

The image shows a white pan filled with a creamy pasta dish made of wide, flat noodles coated in a rich orange sauce. On top and mixed throughout, there are sliced brown mushrooms, and fresh green parsley leaves are scattered over the noodles adding a fresh color contrast. The texture of the pasta looks smooth and creamy, with the mushrooms providing a soft, earthy layer. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman’s hand is holding the handle of the pan at the bottom right corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan is a classic choice that brings salty tang and a touch of creamy richness to each bite. Fresh basil or parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness, making each serving feel fresh and lively.

Side Dishes

Classic Bolognese shines atop strands of tender spaghetti or tagliatelle, but it’s equally fantastic spooned over zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist. Pair your meal with a simple arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness and add crunch, or a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to jazz things up for guests, serve your Classic Bolognese Recipe stuffed inside roasted bell peppers or layered in a comforting baked pasta casserole. You might even use it as a filling for savory crepes or atop polenta for a rustic, soul-warming meal that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Classic Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making next-day servings taste even better. Just be sure to cool it down quickly before refrigerating to preserve freshness.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully, which makes it a perfect meal prep candidate. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your Classic Bolognese Recipe slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce feels too thick after cooling, stir in a splash of water, broth, or milk to bring back its velvety texture before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other meats in the Classic Bolognese Recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can experiment with ground pork, veal, turkey, or even a combination for different flavor profiles. Just be mindful of cooking times and fat content to achieve the best texture.

Is the red wine necessary in this recipe?

Red wine adds a wonderful depth, but it is completely optional. If you prefer to skip it, simply add a bit more milk or broth to keep the sauce moist and flavorful without sacrificing richness.

What pasta works best with Classic Bolognese Recipe?

Flat, ribbon-like pasta such as tagliatelle or pappardelle is perfect because it holds the thick sauce beautifully. Spaghetti or even penne also work well if you prefer or have those on hand.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to keep the entire meal safe for gluten intolerances.

Why do you add milk to the sauce?

Milk might seem unusual, but it actually plays a crucial role in tenderizing the meat and balancing the acidity of the tomato sauce. It makes the final sauce rich and creamy without needing cream.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly rewarding about making this Classic Bolognese Recipe that goes far beyond just a meal. It’s the warm aromas filling your kitchen, the comforting richness spreading through each bite, and the joy of sharing a bowl of true Italian goodness with loved ones. Roll up your sleeves, embrace the slow simmer, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Jane

Classic Bolognese Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need