A classic Italian meat sauce featuring ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and herbs simmered with tomatoes to create a rich and hearty accompaniment for pasta. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want a comforting and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and hearty – The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables creates a deeply flavorful sauce.
- Easy to make – Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep, making it ideal for a quick homemade meal.
- Versatile – Pairs well with various types of pasta or even as a topping for polenta or crusty bread.
- Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option.
- Authentic Italian flavors – Uses fresh herbs and Pecorino Romano for a truly traditional taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Medium onion
- Garlic cloves
- Celery stalk
- Carrot
- Ground chuck beef
- Cherry tomatoes, crushed
- Flat-leaf Italian parsley
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
- Pasta (such as pappardelle)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until the onions become very soft, about 8 minutes.
- Add the chopped celery and carrot; continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
- Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking up any large lumps, until the meat is no longer pink, approximately 10 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chopped parsley, and basil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer until it thickens, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce. Serve topped with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
Variations
- Use different meats – Substitute ground beef for a more traditional Bolognese.
- Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or whole milk for a richer texture.
- Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Slow-cooked version – Simmer the sauce for up to 2 hours for deeper flavors.
- Vegetarian option – Swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the sauce in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Reheat pasta separately and toss together before serving.
FAQs
How do I make Bolognese sauce thicker?
Simmering the sauce longer will naturally thicken it. You can also add a small amount of tomato paste for a richer consistency.
Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned diced or crushed tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are unavailable. The flavor will still be delicious.
What’s the best pasta for Bolognese?
Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or fettuccine work best because their wide, flat shape holds the sauce well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The sauce itself is gluten-free. Simply use gluten-free pasta for a fully gluten-free meal.
Can I substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmesan?
Yes, Parmesan cheese is a great alternative if you don’t have Pecorino Romano.
What’s the difference between Bolognese and regular meat sauce?
Bolognese is a thicker, richer sauce that includes vegetables and fresh herbs, while traditional meat sauce is often more tomato-heavy.
How can I make it more authentic?
For a more traditional Bolognese, use a mix of ground beef , and simmer the sauce for a longer period.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, adding a splash of red or white wine after browning the meat enhances the depth of flavor.
What side dishes go well with Bolognese?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with this dish.
Conclusion
Simple Bolognese is a timeless Italian classic that brings comfort and rich flavors to any meal. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for home cooks looking for an easy yet satisfying pasta sauce. Whether served fresh or made ahead for later, this hearty meat sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it with your choice of pasta, and don’t forget a generous sprinkle of Pecorino Romano on top!
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Simple Bolognese
This Simple Bolognese is a rich and hearty Italian meat sauce made with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and crushed tomatoes. Simmered to perfection, this classic dish pairs beautifully with pasta, making it an easy yet flavorful meal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground chuck beef
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, crushed
- ¼ cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
- 12 oz pasta (such as pappardelle)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft (about 8 minutes).
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped celery and carrot, sautéing for another 5 minutes.
- Cook the Beef: Increase heat to high, add ground beef, and cook until no longer pink, breaking up any large pieces (about 10 minutes).
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, parsley, and basil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Combine & Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce. Serve topped with freshly grated Pecorino Romano.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a small amount of tomato paste.
- You can substitute canned diced tomatoes for cherry tomatoes.
- Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or fettuccine work best with Bolognese sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
