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Authentic Italian Beef Bolognese Sauce: Slow-Simmered Perfection

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An authentic Italian beef Bolognese sauce slow-simmered with soffritto, tomato paste, milk, and white wine for deep, savory flavor. Perfect for tagliatelle or lasagna.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

  • 3 oz pancetta, finely diced

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 carrot, finely chopped

  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • ½ cup dry white wine

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1½–2 cups beef broth or water

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional: Pinch of ground nutmeg

Instructions

  • In a large Dutch oven, cook pancetta over medium-low heat until fat renders.

  • Add olive oil and sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 10–12 minutes until soft.

  • Add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

  • Stir in tomato paste. Cook 2 minutes.

  • Add wine and simmer until mostly evaporated.

  • Stir in milk (and nutmeg if using). Simmer gently for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.

  • Add broth/water as needed to maintain a thick, moist consistency.

  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over tagliatelle or pasta of choice.

Notes

  • Sauce improves after resting—great for next-day meals.

  • Freeze for up to 3 months; reheat gently with broth.

  • Add a Parmesan rind during simmering for added umami.

Find it online: https://bitetrovu.com/authentic-italian-beef-bolognese-sauce-slow-simmered-perfection/