Authentic Bolognese Ragú is a rich and hearty Italian meat sauce that hails from Bologna, Italy. Unlike a typical marinara, Bolognese is slow-cooked with ground meat, vegetables, wine, and a touch of milk or cream, resulting in a luscious, thick sauce with incredible depth of flavor. The long, slow simmer allows the flavors to develop, creating a comforting and satisfying sauce perfect for pasta, especially tagliatelle or pappardelle. This classic recipe is ideal for those who love traditional Italian cuisine and want to experience the flavors of Italy right at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz pancetta, finely diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably chuck)
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the base: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until it starts to render its fat and become slightly crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft and golden, about 8-10 minutes.
- Brown the meat: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the milk: Pour in the milk and let it simmer until it is mostly absorbed by the meat, about 5-6 minutes. This step adds richness to the sauce.
- Add the wine and tomatoes: Stir in the white wine and cook until reduced by half. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and broth. Drop in the bay leaf, and stir to combine.
- Simmer low and slow: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Simmer the sauce for at least 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well-developed and the sauce has thickened. Add more broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve: Toss the Bolognese Ragú with freshly cooked pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Enjoy your Authentic Bolognese Ragú, a rich and flavorful Italian classic perfect for a comforting meal at home!
