Print

Classic Pasta Bolognese Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 87 reviews

A classic Pasta Bolognese recipe featuring a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce made with ground beef, vegetables, milk, and tomatoes. This hearty Italian dish is perfect for a comforting family meal, paired with your favorite pasta and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 celery sticks, small diced
  • 2 carrot sticks, peeled and small diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Pasta and Garnishes

  • 16 ounces Tagliatelle pasta (or any pasta of choice)
  • Chopped parsley, for serving
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, releasing their aromas and creating a flavorful base.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned and crumbled, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  3. Simmer with Milk: Pour in the whole milk and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it has mostly evaporated. This process tenderizes the beef and adds richness, and should take about 10 minutes.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, oregano, and nutmeg. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, simmer between 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Once ready, remove from heat and discard the bay leaf.
  5. Cook Pasta and Serve: When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tagliatelle or your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and divide it into individual bowls. Spoon generous amounts of the Bolognese sauce over the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Simmering the sauce longer enhances the flavor and tenderizes the meat further.
  • Whole milk adds a subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the beef; do not skip this step.
  • Use fresh parsley and good quality Parmesan for the best garnish.
  • For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered to allow more liquid to evaporate.
  • Tagliatelle is traditional, but any long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti pairs well.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/classic-pasta-bolognese-recipe/