Italian Bolognese Pasta | Hearty, Rich Weeknight Meal
Classic Italian Bolognese sauce made the traditional way — slow-simmered with meat, soffritto, wine, milk, and a touch of tomato. Tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ lbs ground meat (beef and/or pork)
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup crushed tomatoes or 2 tbsp tomato paste + water
- 1 bay leaf
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz tagliatelle or pasta of choice
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy pot. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until soft (8–10 min).
- Add meat and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Deglaze with wine and reduce fully.
- Add milk and nutmeg. Simmer until absorbed.
- Stir in tomatoes and bay leaf. Simmer gently for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook pasta until al dente. Toss with sauce and a splash of pasta water.
- Serve with grated parmesan and black pepper.
Notes
- Use a meat blend for richer flavor.
- Long simmering is key for texture and taste.
- Sauce freezes well for future meals.