Simple Essential Bolognese
Tags: pasta, sauce, beef, pork, comfort food, slow cooker
A classic, slow-simmered meat sauce for pasta, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is fine, 85/15 is even better)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (like Chianti, Merlot, or Pinot Noir)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Created by: David
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Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and pork.
- Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about -minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, about -minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, milk, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least hours, or up to hours, stirring occasionally.
- The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over your favorite pasta, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Notes & Tips
For an even richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf to the sauce while it simmers and remove it before serving. This sauce freezes beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch.