Beef Bolognese Recipe

Introduction

Beef Bolognese is a rich, hearty, and comforting Italian sauce that has captured the hearts of food lovers all over the world. Originating from the region of Emilia-Romagna in Northern Italy, Bolognese sauce (also known as “ragù alla Bolognese”) is a delicious blend of slow-cooked beef, aromatic vegetables, wine, and tomatoes, all simmered to create a velvety, full-bodied sauce. This dish is a staple of Italian cuisine, and it pairs perfectly with pasta, typically tagliatelle or pappardelle, though spaghetti is commonly used outside of Italy.

While it takes time to develop its deep flavors, Beef Bolognese is an incredibly rewarding recipe to make. The long, slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, Beef Bolognese is guaranteed to impress your guests or loved ones.

Why You’ll Love Beef Bolognese

• Rich Flavor: The slow-cooked beef, vegetables, and wine create a sauce that’s deep and complex in flavor. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and utterly comforting.
• Versatile: While Beef Bolognese is traditionally served with pasta, it can also be used in other dishes like lasagna, stuffed peppers, or as a topping for polenta or rice.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, and its flavors are universally loved by both adults and children. You can make a big batch and have leftovers for days!
• Simple Ingredients, Complex Flavors: Even though Beef Bolognese uses everyday ingredients, the slow cooking process and careful layering of flavors result in a dish that tastes much more complex than it might appear at first glance.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Bolognese sauce is ideal for making in advance. It often tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop further.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 500-600 calories per serving, depending on the pasta you serve it with.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500-600 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g (depending on pasta choice)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional but recommended)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

For the Pasta (choose your favorite):

• 1 lb (450g) pasta, such as tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti
• Salt for boiling pasta water

Special Equipment

To make the process of cooking Beef Bolognese more efficient and enjoyable, having the right kitchen equipment can be a big help. Here are a few key tools that will make the recipe easier:

1. Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: A heavy-duty pot helps distribute heat evenly while simmering the sauce, preventing any hot spots or burning. A Dutch oven is ideal for this slow-cooked dish because of its heat retention properties.
2. Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: A sturdy wooden spoon or silicone spatula is perfect for stirring the sauce, allowing you to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (which adds flavor).
3. Sharp Knife: Since you’ll need to finely chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, having a sharp knife is essential for precision and speed.
4. Lid: While simmering the sauce, you’ll want a lid to partially cover the pot. This helps trap moisture while still allowing some evaporation to concentrate the sauce’s flavor.
5. Large Pot for Pasta: When cooking the pasta, a large pot will allow for plenty of space for the pasta to cook evenly and prevent clumping.
6. Strainer or Pasta Spoon: For draining the pasta, a strainer or pasta spoon is necessary to make the transfer from the water to the sauce smooth and easy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping all the ingredients to make the cooking process smoother. Finely chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Having these ready to go ensures that you can quickly add them to the pot as the recipe progresses.

2. Cook the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to get a good caramelization on the beef, as this will add depth to the sauce.

Once the beef is browned, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and set it aside. Drain any excess fat if needed, but leave a small amount in the pot for sautéing the vegetables.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Deglaze with Red Wine

If you’re using red wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze the bottom, scraping up any browned bits of meat and vegetables stuck to the pot with a wooden spoon. Let the wine cook off for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly in volume.

5. Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

Once the wine has reduced, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine, and then return the browned ground beef to the pot. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

6. Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the sauce simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir the sauce occasionally and adjust the heat if necessary to maintain a low simmer. The sauce should thicken and develop rich, deep flavors as it cooks.

7. Add Milk or Cream

After the sauce has simmered for about 1.5 hours, stir in the milk or heavy cream. This will help mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes and add richness to the sauce. Continue to simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce is thick and flavorful.

8. Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is finishing up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.

9. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the pasta is drained, add it to the pot with the Bolognese sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

10. Serve and Garnish

Serve the Beef Bolognese immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley or basil if desired. For a more indulgent touch, you can sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.

Tips for Perfect Beef Bolognese

• Use a Combination of Meats: While this recipe uses only ground beef, many traditional Bolognese recipes call for a combination of ground beef, pork, and sometimes veal. If you want a more complex flavor, you can experiment with adding pork or veal to the mix.
• Low and Slow Cooking: The key to a great Bolognese sauce is slow cooking. Allowing the sauce to simmer for hours helps the flavors meld and develop depth. Don’t rush this step.
• Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest, richest sauce, opt for whole milk or heavy cream instead of lower-fat versions. The richness will balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Make Ahead: Beef Bolognese can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Adjust to Your Taste: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preferences.

Variations of Beef Bolognese

• Vegetarian Bolognese: For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with lentils or mushrooms for a similar texture and savory flavor. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes for a meatless version that still feels hearty.
• Spicy Bolognese: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a small amount of finely chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce while sautéing the vegetables.
• Pork Bolognese: For a different flavor profile, replace the beef with ground pork, which adds a bit of sweetness to the sauce. You can also combine ground pork and beef for a richer taste.
• Bolognese with Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for a more hearty, vegetable-packed dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Beef Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight and warm up in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Beef Bolognese

Pair Beef Bolognese with a variety of side dishes to round out the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing with pasta, garlic bread provides a crispy, buttery contrast to the richness of the sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the heaviness of the Bolognese and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make a great side to serve with Bolognese.
• Red Wine: Pair Beef Bolognese with a robust red wine like Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot to complement the savory flavors of the dish.

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Conclusion

Beef Bolognese is the epitome of comfort food, offering rich flavors and a satisfying, hearty texture that makes every bite a delight. With its blend of beef, vegetables, wine, and tomatoes, this Italian classic is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family dinner. While it does take time to prepare, the slow-simmering process makes the end result well worth the wait. Whether served with traditional pasta or used in other dishes, Beef Bolognese is sure to become a beloved recipe in your culinary repertoire.