Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a timeless favorite for good reason. The slow-cooked sauce is packed with layers of flavor that only get better with time. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. The ingredients are simple and accessible, yet the final dish tastes like something you’d find in a rustic Italian trattoria.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Carrot (finely chopped)
• Celery (finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Tomato paste
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• Dry white or red wine
• Whole milk or heavy cream
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Dried Italian herbs (or fresh thyme, oregano, and basil)
• Pasta (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the ground meat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to develop flavor.
6. Pour in the wine and let it simmer until reduced by half.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
8. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
9. Pour in the milk or cream and simmer for another 10 minutes to mellow and enrich the sauce.
10. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
11. Drain the pasta and toss it with the Bolognese sauce.
12. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

• Meat Blend: Use a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal for a richer flavor.
• No Wine: Substitute with extra broth if you prefer not to cook with alcohol.
• Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or plant-based meat instead of ground meat.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili.
• Herb Boost: Stir in fresh basil or parsley at the end for added freshness.
• Creamier Finish: Use heavy cream instead of milk for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
You can also freeze the sauce (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What’s the best pasta to use for Bolognese?

Tagliatelle, fettuccine, or pappardelle are traditional, but spaghetti or rigatoni work well too.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, Bolognese tastes even better the next day. Make it in advance and reheat when ready.

Why add milk to Bolognese?

Milk adds creaminess and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, but the texture may be smoother. Use passata for a more authentic consistency.

Do I need to simmer the sauce for an hour?

Yes, long simmering develops the rich, deep flavor Bolognese is known for.

Is this the same as spaghetti meat sauce?

Not quite. Bolognese is thicker, richer, and more complex than a simple meat sauce.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, but the flavor will be milder. Add extra seasoning and herbs to enhance it.

Should I drain the fat after browning the meat?

If there’s excess fat, drain some, but leave a little for flavor and richness.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great sides.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Bolognese freezes well, so it’s perfect for batch cooking.

Conclusion

Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese is a warm, comforting dish that brings together rich flavors and simple ingredients in the most satisfying way. Whether served for Sunday dinner or a weeknight treat, this recipe delivers a taste of Italy right to your table. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the jarred sauce again.

Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese

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Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese is a hearty pasta dish made with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, tomatoes, wine, and herbs, served over your favorite pasta and topped with Parmesan.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Dinner, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1. 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef )
2. 1 onion, finely chopped
3. 1 carrot, finely chopped
4. 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
6. 2 tbsp tomato paste
7. 28 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
8. 1/2 cup dry white or red wine
9. 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
10. 2 tbsp olive oil
11. 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or fresh thyme, oregano, basil)
12. Salt and pepper, to taste
13. 1 lb pasta (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
14. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

1. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to develop flavor.
5. Pour in the wine and simmer until reduced by half.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in milk or cream and simmer another 10 minutes.
9. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
10. Drain pasta and toss with the Bolognese sauce.
11. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan.

Notes

1. Simmering the sauce low and slow deepens the flavor.
2. For a richer taste, use a mix of beef, , and veal.
3. Bolognese tastes even better the next day—great for make-ahead meals.
4. Freeze extra sauce (without pasta) for quick future dinners.
5. Use fresh basil or parsley at the end for extra freshness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 65mg