The BEST Bolognese Sauce

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Rich, hearty, and simmered to perfection, this Bolognese sauce is the ultimate comfort food you need in your recipe rotation. It clings beautifully to pasta, seeps into every nook and cranny, and delivers layers of savory depth in every bite. Made with simple ingredients and slow-cooked love, it brings out the best in traditional Italian flavor with a cozy, homemade twist.

Whether you’re making a romantic dinner at home, prepping a family meal, or craving a plate of spaghetti that hits all the right notes, this Bolognese sauce is the answer. It’s a timeless dish that gets better with time, ideal for freezing, and even more delicious the next day. One taste and you’ll understand why this recipe is the one to bookmark and come back to again and again.

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What Kind of Meat Should I Use?

The magic of Bolognese is in the blend of meats. A combination of ground beef and ground pork creates the perfect harmony of flavor and richness. The beef brings that bold, savory depth, while the pork adds a tender, juicy element. If you’d like to go traditional, you could also include pancetta or veal. Choose meats with some fat for a richer sauce, and always brown them well to lock in flavor.

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Ingredients for the BEST Bolognese Sauce

• Olive oil – Used for sautéing the base vegetables and helps layer flavor from the very start.
• Yellow onion – Sweet and mellow, it builds the aromatic backbone of the sauce.
• Carrot – Adds subtle sweetness that balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Celery – Rounds out the sofrito with a slight bitterness and depth.
• Garlic – For that classic, punchy Italian aroma.
• Ground beef & pork – The soul of the sauce. Rich, hearty, and essential for meaty depth.
• Tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a concentrated richness.
• Crushed tomatoes – The base that gives body to the sauce and blends with the meat.
• Whole milk – Yes, milk! It tenderizes the meat and mellows the acidity for a silky finish.
• Beef broth – Enhances savory notes and allows the sauce to simmer low and slow.
• Bay leaf & dried oregano – Brings herbal warmth and classic Italian undertones.
• Salt and pepper – Season to taste for the perfect balance.

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How To Make the BEST Bolognese Sauce

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook this aromatic trio (called a soffritto) for about 7–10 minutes until everything softens and begins to caramelize. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

Add the ground beef and pork to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Let it brown and develop those golden bits on the bottom—that’s where the flavor lives. This step should take about 10 minutes. Drain off excess fat if needed, but leave enough for richness.

Step 3: Tomato Boost

Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 2–3 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together.

Step 4: Add Dairy and Simmer

Pour in the whole milk and beef broth. Stir to combine, then toss in the bay leaf and oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This is where all the magic happens.

Step 5: Taste and Season

Remove the bay leaf, taste the sauce, and add salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be thick, rich, and silky with a deep meaty flavor.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Toss with your favorite pasta—tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti are all great choices. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like.

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Serving and Storing Bolognese Sauce

This sauce deserves a pasta that can hold its weight—think wide, flat noodles like tagliatelle, pappardelle, or even rigatoni. Once your pasta is cooked al dente, toss it directly into the sauce and let them meld together for a minute over low heat. Top with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil or a touch of butter for an extra gloss.

Leftovers? Even better the next day. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this sauce thicker?

If your Bolognese feels too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer. You can also stir in a small spoonful of tomato paste or simmer with the lid off to reduce the liquid.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Absolutely. While beef and pork offer a richer flavor, ground turkey or chicken can make a lighter version. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as these meats are leaner.

Is it really necessary to use milk?

Yes, milk softens the acidity of the tomatoes and tenderizes the meat, creating a balanced, velvety sauce.

Can I make it ahead?

Definitely. In fact, Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day. Make it a day in advance and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

What wine goes best with Bolognese?

A dry red like Chianti, Sangiovese, or even a Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the richness of the sauce.

Can I make it vegetarian?

You can! Swap the meat for a medley of finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts. Use veggie broth and keep the rest of the process the same for a hearty plant-based version.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re savoring every spoonful of this Bolognese, here are more pasta recipes from Life with Nina that bring rich flavor to the table:

• Try the Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a creamy, cheesy twist.
• Indulge in Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites—the name says comfort in every bite.
• For something extra hearty, check out Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce.
• Or go bold with One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta—a satisfying dinner with heat.
• Looking for a cozy noodle night? Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta delivers.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready whenever you need a cozy pasta fix. You can find more of my daily recipes over on Pinterest at Life with Nina.

And don’t forget to comment below with your twist on this classic. Did you add pancetta? Did you sneak in mushrooms? I love hearing how you make it your own—and helping you make it better.

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