Bolognese

This rich and flavorful Bolognese recipe is a classic Italian staple, packed with tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of red wine.

Simmered to perfection, this hearty sauce is a comforting treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup beef broth (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the tomato paste, dried basil, and dried oregano to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the canned tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the pot, stirring to combine.

If using red wine and beef broth, add them to the pot as well. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, about 20-30 minutes.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serve the Bolognese hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.

Notes

To get the best flavor out of your bolognese, make sure to cook the vegetables until they’re soft and lightly browned – that’s where all the magic happens! Also, don’t overcook the ground beef, you want it to be browned and just cooked through.

If you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and add that red wine and beef broth – it’ll add a depth of flavor you won’t regret.

Finally, be patient and let that sauce simmer away, it’s worth the wait!

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 420
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 26g