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Authentic Italian Beef Bolognese Sauce: Slow-Simmered Classic for Rich Flavor

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This authentic Italian Beef Bolognese sauce is a slow-simmered meat ragù made with ground beef, soffritto, milk, wine, and tomato paste for a deeply flavorful, traditional dish from Bologna.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped

  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • ½ cup dry white wine

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • ¾ cup whole milk

  • 1 cup beef stock or broth

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 8–10 minutes.

  • Add ground beef. Break up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 10–15 minutes.

  • Pour in white wine. Simmer until mostly evaporated, 5–7 minutes.

  • Stir in tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes.

  • Add milk slowly, stirring constantly. Simmer until absorbed.

  • Add beef stock and bay leaf. Bring to a low simmer.

  • Simmer uncovered for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add broth as needed to prevent drying.

  • Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, add pancetta or substitute part of the beef with pork.

  • Stores in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

  • Perfect over tagliatelle, in lasagna, or spooned over polenta.

Find it online: https://bitetrovu.com/authentic-italian-beef-bolognese-sauce-slow-simmered-classic-for-rich-flavor/