Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Rich, hearty, and brimming with robust flavor, this Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce is the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out. Slow-simmered and deeply savory, it’s the ultimate meat sauce that turns an ordinary pasta dinner into a meal to remember. Whether ladled over rigatoni or spooned into lasagna layers, every bite is packed with Italian-inspired goodness.

The beauty of this Bolognese lies in its layers—each ingredient is given time to develop and shine. A medley of aromatics melds into a base of crushed tomatoes and ground meat, simmering for hours until it thickens into a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. Make it once, and it just might become a family tradition.

---

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Bolognese Sauce?

While ground beef is the most common choice, a mix of ground beef and pork gives the sauce a more complex flavor and tender texture. Some also enjoy adding veal or pancetta for richness. The key is to use meats that bring a good balance of fat and lean, which meld beautifully into the tomato base during the long simmer.

---

Ingredients for the Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce

Ground Beef (or a Beef/Pork Mix) – This forms the hearty base of the sauce. Choose high-quality ground meat for the best flavor.

Onion – Adds aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness as it cooks down.

Garlic – Provides a savory, unmistakable bite that enhances the entire sauce.

Carrots & Celery – These vegetables round out the flavor base and add a hint of natural sweetness.

Tomato Paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness.

Crushed Tomatoes – Forms the body of the sauce with juicy acidity and vibrant tomato taste.

Whole Milk or Heavy Cream – Gives the sauce a luscious, silky finish.

Red Wine – Deepens the sauce with earthy undertones. Choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking.

Olive Oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and meats, adding flavor and richness.

Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning – Enhances and balances the entire dish.

Bay Leaf (optional) – Adds subtle herbal complexity during the simmer.

---

How To Make the Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef (or your mix of beef and pork) to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until fully browned. This step is essential to developing a rich, meaty flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer until the wine is mostly evaporated. This intensifies the flavor and gives the sauce a nice depth.

Step 4: Add Tomato Richness

Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 minutes to develop a caramelized edge. Then add crushed tomatoes, a bay leaf if using, and your Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow

Reduce the heat to low and cover partially with a lid. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld into a luxurious texture.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

In the final 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the milk or cream. This step adds smoothness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Your Bolognese is now ready to serve! Spoon it generously over cooked pasta, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, and top with parsley if desired.

---

How to Serve and Store Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce

When it comes to serving, this Bolognese shines with just about any pasta, though it’s especially perfect with rigatoni, tagliatelle, or pappardelle that can hold onto all that saucy richness. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Bolognese sauce also makes an excellent base for lasagna or stuffed shells, adding a homemade touch that elevates any pasta bake. To store, allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers.

• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I simmer Bolognese sauce?

Ideally, let it simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. The slow cook helps the flavors develop into a rich, deep sauce.

Can I make Bolognese ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

What pasta goes best with Bolognese?

Wide, flat noodles like tagliatelle or pappardelle work beautifully. Tubular shapes like rigatoni or penne are also great for holding the sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can skip the milk or substitute with unsweetened almond or oat milk, though the texture will be slightly different.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, but keep in mind that lean meats won’t provide the same richness. Consider adding extra olive oil or a bit of broth to compensate.

Is Bolognese the same as meat sauce?

Not quite. Bolognese is a specific Italian meat-based sauce with a creamy component and usually a long simmer, while generic meat sauce is often quicker and purely tomato-based.

---

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re craving more comforting and flavorful meals like this Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce, check out these deliciously satisfying dishes:

• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a savory twist with creamy richness.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce when you want melty, cheesy comfort.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a luscious chicken-pasta combo.
• Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites if you’re after a nostalgic, savory flavor.
• One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a mash-up of creamy cheese and crispy chicken goodness.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 your Bolognese turned out. Did you try it with pork and beef? Use wine or skip it? I love hearing the creative spins you put on classic recipes.

Feel free to drop questions too—let’s help each other make mealtime easier and tastier.

---

Print