Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce

Rich, hearty, and absolutely irresistible, this Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, combining traditional Italian flavors with a slow-simmered depth that's perfect for cozy dinners. Made with a savory blend of ground beef, pork, and pancetta, this sauce is elevated by the addition of aromatic vegetables, creamy milk, and a splash of dry white wine to balance the richness. Simmered to perfection over several hours, the sauce develops a velvety texture and a robust, flavorful base, accented with thyme and a hint of garlic. Whether ladled over al dente pasta or layered into a lasagna, this authentic Bolognese is a must-try for lovers of classic Italian cuisine. Ideal for meal prepping or serving a hungry crowd, this recipe is as comforting as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound ground pork
• 0.25 pound pancetta or bacon, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, ground pork, and chopped pancetta. Cook until the meat is browned and the liquid has evaporated, breaking up the meat with a spoon, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly.

Step 6

Add the canned crushed tomatoes, white wine, beef stock, and milk. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer gently for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and deepens in flavor.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 11

Serve over your favorite pasta or use as a sauce for lasagna. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2681.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3269.1

Total Fat 232.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 87.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 695.9mg	0%
Sodium 6977.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.5g	0%
Total Sugars 59.9g
Protein 168.3g	0%

Vitamin D 107.4IU	0%
Calcium 814.3mg	0%
Iron 21.6mg	0%
Potassium 5731.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.4%

Protein: 21.4%

Carbs: 12.2%