Beef bolognese is a classic Italian sauce that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a rich, hearty meal that’s perfect for any day. This recipe will guide you step-by-step to make a delicious beef bolognese that you and your family will love.
Why We Love This Beef Bolognese Recipe
This beef bolognese recipe is a kitchen classic for good reasons:
Rich and hearty flavor: The long, slow cooking process deepens the taste, turning basic ingredients into a satisfying meal.
Versatility: It pairs beautifully with many pasta types, polenta, or even baked dishes.
Simplicity: The recipe uses everyday ingredients but delivers gourmet results.
Comfort food: It’s a perfect dish for gatherings or quiet nights, offering warmth and nourishment.
Balanced nutrition: With fresh vegetables and quality beef, this recipe brings both flavor and nourishment to your table.
These qualities make this recipe an all-time favorite to keep in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
Ground beef – This is the main protein in the beef bolognese recipe. Use ground beef with some fat content (around 80/20) for rich flavor and juicy texture. Leaner beef can make the sauce dry.
Onion – Finely chopped onion adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef bolognese recipe. Avoid coarse chopping, which can affect the sauce’s texture.
Carrots – Diced carrots provide subtle sweetness and balance the acidity of tomatoes in the beef bolognese recipe. Fresh carrots work best.
Celery – Adds a mild aromatic crunch and complexity to the beef bolognese recipe. Finely dice celery to blend well with other vegetables.
Garlic – Minced garlic gives the beef bolognese recipe its signature savory aroma. Use fresh garlic for the best taste; powdered garlic is not recommended here.
Tomato paste – Concentrated tomato flavor is essential in the beef bolognese recipe. It thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato taste. Avoid substituting with ketchup or canned tomato sauce.
Crushed tomatoes (canned) – Forms the base of the sauce in the beef bolognese recipe. Choose good-quality canned tomatoes for a fresh, balanced flavor.
Beef broth – Adds moisture and richness to the beef bolognese recipe. If unavailable, water can be used but broth gives better depth.
How to Make Beef Bolognese
Preparing the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook gently for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened but not browned.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cooking the Beef
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even coloring.
Building the Sauce
Mix in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to release its flavors.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.
Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Simmering to Perfection
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to deepen.
In the final 10 minutes, stir in the milk to soften the acidity and enrich the sauce’s texture.
Taking your time during the simmering phase is key to developing the full-bodied taste that defines great bolognese.
Expert Tips
Use ground beef with a bit of fat content for richer flavor and better texture.
Avoid rushing the simmer. Low and slow cooking allows flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken naturally.
Adding milk near the end helps mellow out the tomato’s acidity and gives a creamy finish without overpowering the sauce.
Fresh herbs like basil and oregano bring brightness—add them toward the end of cooking to preserve their aroma.
Make extra and freeze leftovers in portions; reheated bolognese tastes just as good, if not better.
Variations
While the classic recipe is fantastic, here are some ways you can customize your sauce:
Substitute ground beef with turkey or a mix of meats to adjust flavor and fat content.
Add finely chopped mushrooms or diced vegetables like zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.
Introduce a hint of heat with chili flakes for a spicy twist.
Use your slow cooker or pressure cooker to adapt cooking time without losing flavor.
These options allow you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Bolognese
Beef bolognese is served in various ways:
Toss it with freshly cooked spaghetti, tagliatelle, or fettuccine for a classic meal.
Spoon over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
Use as a filling for lasagna or baked pasta dishes to impress guests.
Pair with garlic bread and a simple green salad to complete the plate.
Garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or a pinch of chili flakes to enhance flavors before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Bolognese Recipe
What makes a good beef bolognese recipe?
A great bolognese balances slow-cooked beef with aromatic vegetables and a rich tomato base, enhanced by herbs and milk to soften acidity. Patience during simmering is essential to deepen flavor.
Can I prepare beef bolognese ahead of time?
Yes. Bolognese often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. It also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Which cut of beef is best for bolognese?
Ground chuck or blends with a moderate fat content provide the best flavor and texture, keeping the sauce moist and hearty.
Is beef bolognese healthy?
This dish combines protein-rich beef with nutrient-dense vegetables and herbs, offering a balanced meal. You can reduce fat by choosing leaner beef or increasing vegetable content.
beef bolognese recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 small carrots, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 400 g crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 0.5 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
- grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook gently for 5–7 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
- Mix in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- In the last 10 minutes, stir in milk to soften acidity and enrich texture.