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Classic & Easy Weeknight Bolognese Sauce

Close-up of fettuccine pasta generously topped with rich, meaty bolognese sauce in a white bowl.
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Make this rich, hearty Bolognese sauce that tastes like it simmered all day, but is quick enough for your busiest weeknights. This authentic Italian meat sauce is a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, for depth)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery (the soffritto) to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. If using, pour in the red wine and let it simmer until it mostly evaporates, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step builds flavor.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the Bolognese sauce simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, simmer for up to 1.5 hours.
  7. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve this hearty beef sauce over your favorite pasta for a comforting dinner idea.

Notes

  • For an even richer flavor, substitute half the ground beef with ground pork or veal.
  • If you are making this for lasagna meat sauce, allow the sauce to simmer for the full 1.5 hours to thicken properly.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals later.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/easy-weeknight-bolognese-sauce-recipe/