Name: The BEST Bolognese Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 cup whole milk; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 bay leaf; Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Rich, savory, and simmered to perfection, this Bolognese sauce is the heart of classic Italian comfort food. Whether you’re ladling it over silky tagliatelle or layering it into a lasagna, this sauce brings deep flavor and warmth to every dish.

The secret to its irresistible depth lies in the slow cooking of aromatics, a mix of beef and pork, and a splash of milk to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes. One taste and you’ll understand why this is the BEST Bolognese Sauce you’ll ever make.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use?

Authentic Bolognese sauce traditionally uses a mix of ground beef and pork, which creates a rich, balanced flavor. You can also use pancetta or Italian sausage for an extra depth of taste. Avoid lean-only meats; fat adds necessary richness to the sauce.

Ingredients for the BEST Bolognese Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup whole milk
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp salt (more to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 bay leaf
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

How To Make the BEST Bolognese Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef and pork to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Deglaze

Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Add Milk and Simmer

Reduce the heat and add the milk. Simmer until it has mostly absorbed, about 10 minutes. This step helps create a silky texture and mellows the acidity.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer Low and Slow

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and bay leaf. Bring to a low simmer, cover loosely, and cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve and Store the BEST Bolognese Sauce

Serve this sauce with wide, flat noodles like tagliatelle or pappardelle to soak up every bit of its rich flavor. It also works wonderfully in baked pasta dishes like lasagna or cannelloni.

To store, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Bolognese different from regular meat sauce?

Bolognese is creamier and more delicate than typical meat sauce, with milk and wine as key ingredients for complexity.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the meat and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I use only beef or only pork?

You can, but a mix of both creates a more balanced and flavorful sauce.

What pasta pairs best with Bolognese?

Tagliatelle, pappardelle, or even rigatoni work well to hold the thick sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Swap milk with a dairy-free alternative like oat milk, though flavor and creaminess may vary.

Is wine necessary?

It adds depth, but you can substitute with beef broth if needed.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this hearty Bolognese, you’ll definitely want to try these delicious options next:

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a bold and cheesy twist.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta packed with flavor and romance.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for easy weeknight comfort.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach if you’re craving seafood.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a creamy baked pasta option.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you simmer it all day or use a shortcut? Maybe you added mushrooms or pancetta?

I love hearing your twists on the classics. If you have questions, drop them below—this kitchen’s always open!

Explore more of my daily recipes on Pinterest @NinaDishes

The BEST Bolognese Sauce

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A rich, slow-simmered Italian Bolognese sauce made with ground beef and pork, aromatic vegetables, white wine, and milk for a silky texture. Perfect for pasta or baked dishes.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Add ground beef and pork to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

4. Reduce the heat and add the milk. Simmer until it has mostly absorbed, about 10 minutes.

5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and bay leaf. Bring to a low simmer, cover loosely, and cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of water if needed.

6. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning. Serve over pasta and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.