Classic Pasta Bolognese Recipe: A Hearty Italian Favorite

Pasta Bolognese is a beloved Italian dish, known for its rich, meaty sauce and comforting flavors. Though its roots lie in Bologna, Italy, this hearty sauce has made its way into kitchens around the world. The secret to a great Pasta Bolognese lies in the patience and care it takes to slowly simmer the sauce, allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly. In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of creating this classic recipe, ensuring you achieve restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.

In addition to being a family favorite, Bolognese sauce can be customized and paired with various types of pasta, from spaghetti to fettuccine. Follow along as we break down the ingredients and methods to cook this iconic dish, and you'll have a flavorful meal to enjoy.

Ingredients

To make an authentic Pasta Bolognese, you'll need the following ingredients. These are easily found in most kitchens or grocery stores.

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• Salt for the pasta water

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by finely chopping the vegetables: onion, carrots, and celery. The finer the chop, the better these vegetables will integrate into the sauce, contributing both texture and flavor. These three ingredients form the base of most Italian sauces and add natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pan. Sauté the vegetables for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until they begin to soften and turn translucent. You want them to cook evenly but not brown, as the goal is to enhance their sweetness.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Once the vegetables are soft, increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the pan. Break the beef up with a wooden spoon or spatula to ensure even cooking. Brown the meat, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked and no pink remains. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, as they add flavor to the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Garlic and Tomato Paste

When the meat is cooked through, add the minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir these into the meat and vegetable mixture. Allow the garlic to cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. The tomato paste will thicken the sauce and deepen the tomato flavor, so make sure to mix it in well.

Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Next, pour the crushed tomatoes and beef broth into the pan. Stir everything together, making sure the liquids incorporate with the meat and vegetables. Bring the sauce to a simmer and lower the heat to medium-low.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Now it's time to add the seasonings that will make your Bolognese sauce burst with flavor. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and bay leaves. Add a generous pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. These herbs and spices will create a deliciously aromatic sauce that infuses every bite of pasta.

Step 7: Simmer the Sauce

This step is crucial for developing the rich, deep flavors of the Bolognese sauce. Cover the pan partially and let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 30-45 minutes. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld together. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. As the sauce reduces, it will thicken and become more concentrated in flavor.

If the sauce becomes too thick before you are ready to serve, you can add a little more broth to loosen it up. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 8: Cook the Pasta

While the Bolognese sauce is simmering, it’s time to prepare the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes for al dente.

Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can reserve a cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 9: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

When both the sauce and pasta are ready, you have two serving options. You can either toss the pasta directly into the sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors, or you can serve the sauce over individual plates of pasta. Tossing the pasta in the sauce before serving helps to coat each strand evenly, making every bite rich and flavorful.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Once the pasta and sauce are combined, it’s time to garnish your dish. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh touch. Grate some Parmesan cheese over the dish, which adds a nutty, savory element that complements the Bolognese sauce beautifully.

Serve the Pasta Bolognese immediately, and enjoy this comforting, flavorful Italian classic!

Tips for the Best Pasta Bolognese

1. Slow Simmering is Key: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors develop. If you have time, let it simmer for up to an hour.
2. Use Fresh Herbs When Available: While dried herbs work well, fresh herbs like basil and oregano add a fresh, vibrant flavor. Add them at the end of cooking for the best results.
3. Don't Rush the Process: Each step, from sautéing the vegetables to browning the meat, contributes to the depth of flavor in the final dish. Take your time!
4. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add more broth or water from the pasta to reach the desired consistency.

Pasta Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its rich, hearty sauce made from fresh vegetables, ground meat, and aromatic herbs, this dish brings the taste of Italy straight to your table. Whether served with spaghetti or another type of pasta, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and timeless appeal. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a truly delicious Pasta Bolognese that’s sure to become a regular feature in your meal rotation. Buon appetito!