Classic Bolognese Meat Sauce

Rich, hearty, and brimming with authentic Italian flavor, this Classic Bolognese Meat Sauce is the ultimate recipe for comfort food lovers. Made with a flavorful base of finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, this slow-simmered sauce is elevated by a perfect blend of ground beef, pork, and salty pancetta. Enhanced with creamy milk, dry white wine, and a hint of nutmeg, the sauce develops incredible depth over three hours of gentle cooking. The result is a velvety, savory masterpiece bursting with natural sweetness from crushed tomatoes and perfectly balanced seasonings. Ideal for pairing with your favorite pasta—like tagliatelle or pappardelle—and finished with freshly grated Parmesan, this classic recipe brings a taste of Italy to your table. Perfect for family meals or cozy gatherings, it’s a timeless dish that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 1 large celery stalk, finely chopped
• 300 grams ground beef
• 200 grams ground pork
• 100 grams pancetta, diced
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 800 grams canned tomatoes, crushed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

Step 2

Add the diced pancetta to the pot and cook for another 3 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and pork. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until it's browned, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4

Pour in the milk and add the nutmeg. Stir well, allowing the milk to gently simmer until almost evaporated, about 10 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the white wine, and let it simmer until fully absorbed by the meat, about 10 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid slightly ajar, and let it simmer gently for about 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally, checking the consistency. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of water.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.

Step 9

Serve the bolognese sauce over your choice of cooked pasta, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2347.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2725.6

Total Fat 182.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 510.0mg	0%
Sodium 6526.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 96.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.4g	0%
Total Sugars 59.8g
Protein 136.3g	0%

Vitamin D 125.9IU	0%
Calcium 716.7mg	0%
Iron 16.3mg	0%
Potassium 3890.9mg	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: 63.8%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 15.0%