Print

Classic & Easy Weeknight Bolognese Sauce

Close-up of rigatoni pasta generously topped with rich, meaty bolognese sauce and visible vegetables.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this rich, hearty Bolognese sauce that balances classic Italian flavor with simple steps perfect for your busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with beef broth)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. If using wine, pour it in and let it simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until the liquid reduces by half.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, milk, oregano, basil, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it cook slowly for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving over your favorite pasta.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork or veal.
  • If you skip the red wine, use beef broth for the liquid reduction step to maintain depth.
  • This bolognese sauce freezes well; make a large batch for future quick meals.
  • Stirring in the milk at the end helps tenderize the meat and adds a traditional creamy texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytipster.com/easy-weeknight-bolognese-sauce/