If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that feels like a big Italian hug, you’re about to fall in love with this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe. Imagine tender strands of pasta drenched in a rich, slow-simmered sauce bursting with savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. This dish brings together simple ingredients into an irresistible harmony of flavors that’s perfect for any night when comfort food calls your name. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how a few humble pantry staples transform into an unforgettable meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you – each ingredient in this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe plays an important role. From the base of fresh aromatics to the meaty richness and bright herbs, every element builds layers of flavor and texture you’ll want to savor.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base to gently cook the vegetables without overpowering other flavors.
- Onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when slowly softened in olive oil.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings pungent warmth that complements the beef perfectly.
- Carrot, finely diced: Offers subtle natural sweetness and lovely texture.
- Celery stalk, finely diced: Contributes an earthy crunch and balances the richness of the sauce.
- Ground beef: The meaty heart of the sauce, lending savory flavor and satisfying substance.
- Dry red wine (optional): Adds acidity and complexity, helping to tenderize the meat and enhance richness.
- Crushed tomatoes: The vibrant tomato base that gives the sauce its lush color and tang.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce for a luscious finish.
- Beef broth: Keeps the sauce moist and infuses even more meaty goodness.
- Dried oregano: Offers a woodsy, slightly floral hint to the sauce’s herbal profile.
- Dried basil: Adds a sweet, fragrant note that brightens each bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors together.
- Pasta (tagliatelle or spaghetti): Provides the perfect vehicle for the sauce, with that classic Italian feel.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch; salty, nutty, and melts into the warm sauce beautifully.
How to Make Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Cook gently for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything softens into a fragrant, colorful base. This step is where your sauce begins to build that warm, inviting depth we all love in a Bolognese.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks, making sure it browns evenly without any large clumps. Browning the meat properly unlocks a rich, caramelized flavor that is absolutely essential to this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe.
Step 3: Add Red Wine (Optional)
If you’re using red wine, pour it in at this stage. Let it simmer gently and reduce until the wine has mostly evaporated. This process adds a lovely acidity and complexity, giving your sauce a richer, more layered taste that will impress any dinner guest.
Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes and Seasonings
Now it’s time to add your crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the flavors meld together into a harmonious blend that’s hearty yet bright.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmering allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken into that unmistakable Bolognese texture everyone adores.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Properly cooked pasta has a slight bite that perfectly complements the rich sauce without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the final assembly.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Spoon generous portions of the Bolognese sauce over the pasta and sprinkle each plate with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts beautifully into the warm sauce, adding a luxurious, nutty finish that you simply cannot resist.
How to Serve Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the classic flourish, but you can also delight your guests with a few fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and add fresh highlights that brighten the hearty sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve this Bolognese with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Garlic bread or toasted slices of rustic Italian bread are perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce, turning every bite into a celebration of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Bolognese in individual bowls topped with a soft poached egg to add a creamy richness. Alternatively, layer the sauce in a baked pasta casserole with mozzarella for a comforting, cheesy bake that’s equally satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leftover sauce will only deepen in flavor overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep the sauce longer, freeze it in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready. This makes for a quick, no-fuss dinner after a busy day.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up. For pasta, it’s best to cook fresh, but leftover pasta can be refreshed quickly by tossing with a little olive oil before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground pork, veal, or a mix of meats can all add unique flavors. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the meat needs longer to brown thoroughly.
Is red wine necessary in the recipe?
No, it’s optional. The sauce will still be delicious without it. Red wine just adds depth and helps tenderize the meat, but you can skip it if you prefer or don’t have any on hand.
What pasta works best with Bolognese sauce?
Traditional choices are tagliatelle or spaghetti, as their shapes hold the sauce beautifully. Wider noodles like pappardelle also work great if you want something more substantial.
How long should I simmer the sauce?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for at least 45 minutes up to an hour. This slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully and thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Can I make this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the ground beef with lentils or chopped mushrooms. While it won’t be a traditional Bolognese, you’ll still enjoy a rich and satisfying sauce.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe ready to go, I hope you feel inspired to create a meal that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your heart with pure joy. There’s something truly special about sharing this earthy, comforting dish with loved ones. So gather your ingredients, take your time simmering that sauce, and treat yourself to a classic that never goes out of style. Buon appetito!
Print
Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic Italian Pasta Bolognese recipe combines a rich and hearty meat sauce simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs, served over perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for a comforting family meal, the sauce is slow-simmered to develop deep flavors and topped with grated Parmesan cheese for a traditional finish.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta & Garnish
- 12 oz pasta (tagliatelle or spaghetti)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Brown the Meat: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned all over, breaking it up with a spoon to create fine crumbles and ensure even cooking.
- Deglaze with Wine: If using, pour in the dry red wine. Allow the wine to simmer and mostly evaporate, which helps concentrate the flavors and remove raw alcohol taste.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help flavors meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook your choice of pasta (tagliatelle or spaghetti) in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Serve: Plate the cooked pasta and ladle the rich Bolognese sauce over the top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian touch.
Notes
- Using dry red wine is optional but adds depth of flavor; you can omit it if preferred.
- Simmering the sauce uncovered helps thicken it and intensify flavors.
- Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey or pork for variations.
- Tagliatelle is a traditional pairing but spaghetti works wonderfully as well.
- Leftover sauce lasts up to 3 days refrigerated or freezes well for up to 3 months.
