Classic Italian Bolognese Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 4 ounces (113g) pancetta, finely chopped 4 ounces (113g) pancetta, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine 1 cup (240ml) red wine
• 2 cups (470ml) crushed tomatoes 2 cups (470ml) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until crispy.
2. 2.
   Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pan. Sauté until vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Increase the heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Pour in the red wine and let it simmer until it has reduced by half.
5. 5.
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pancetta — Make sure to finely chop the pancetta to ensure it blends well with the sauce and adds a delightful smoky flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer for even longer, up to 4 hours.
• Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a more traditional taste.
• Serve the Bolognese sauce over freshly cooked tagliatelle or pappardelle pasta for an authentic Italian experience.
• Freeze any leftover sauce in portions for quick and easy meals in the future.
• Top the finished dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.

Serving advice

Serve the Bolognese sauce generously over a bed of al dente pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Accompany with a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

Present the Bolognese sauce in a deep pasta bowl, allowing the vibrant red color to shine through. Place a sprig of fresh basil on top for an elegant touch. Serve with a rustic wooden spoon for a traditional Italian feel.