Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce is a rich, slow-cooked Italian meat sauce that’s deeply savory and bursting with hearty flavor. Made with ground meat, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, wine, and a touch of milk, this classic sauce is perfect over pasta or layered into lasagna. It’s comfort food at its finest and a staple every home cook should have in their recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, complex flavor from slow simmering
• Authentic Italian-style meat sauce
• Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or meal prep
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Freezer-friendly for easy future meals
• Customizable with beef, pork, veal, or turkey
• Comforting, hearty, and family-approved
• Great for batch cooking
• Deliciously thick and satisfying
• Even better the next day

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Carrot
• Celery
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato purée
• Dry red wine
• Whole milk or heavy cream
• Bay leaf
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
6. Pour in red wine and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Stir in milk or cream and simmer another 10 minutes.
10. Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning.
11. Serve over pasta with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Classic mix: Use half ground beef, half ground pork for more depth.
• Low-fat option: Substitute ground turkey or chicken.
• Herb boost: Add fresh basil or thyme toward the end of cooking.
• No wine: Substitute with beef broth or omit if preferred.
• Vegetable-packed: Add finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrients.
• Creamier version: Use a splash of cream instead of milk.

storage/reheating

Let sauce cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. It also freezes beautifully—store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What kind of meat is best for Bolognese?

A mix of ground beef and pork provides the best flavor and texture, but beef alone works well too.

Do I have to use wine?

Wine adds depth, but you can substitute with broth or skip it entirely if needed.

What pasta goes best with Bolognese?

Wide noodles like tagliatelle, pappardelle, or fettuccine are traditional, but spaghetti or rigatoni also work.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors develop.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini are great additions.

Is Bolognese the same as meat sauce?

Bolognese is a specific type of meat sauce, richer and creamier with milk or cream and slow-cooked flavor.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Serve the sauce over gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies.

Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, but crushed tomatoes offer a chunkier texture that holds up well during the long simmer.

What’s the purpose of the milk?

Milk helps tenderize the meat and adds richness to the sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken, or add a spoonful of tomato paste if needed.

Conclusion

Bolognese Sauce is the ultimate Italian comfort food—rich, hearty, and layered with flavor. Whether you’re serving it over fresh pasta or using it in a lasagna, this classic sauce never disappoints. With its slow-cooked depth and versatility, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Print