Description
A rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce made with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and a creamy finish for a hearty and comforting pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 large carrot, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground lamb (or extra beef)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pound pasta (for serving)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 7–8 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and lamb. Cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, partially cover, and cook for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Remove bay leaves and thyme stems.
- Stir in milk or cream and simmer for 10 more minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve over pasta with optional Parmesan and herbs.
Notes
- Slow cooking develops deep flavor and tender texture.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust thickness by adding broth or simmering longer.
- Flavor improves after resting overnight.
- Works well for pasta or lasagna.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
