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The 5 Secrets to the Best Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce
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Rich, savory, and deeply comforting—this is the BEST Bolognese Sauce you’ll ever make.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, finely grated or diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 pound mild Italian sausage
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or 1/2 tsp each dried basil and oregano)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Add ground beef and sausage. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor.
  4. Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaf (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  7. In the final 10–15 minutes, stir in whole milk to mellow acidity and enhance creaminess.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.

Notes

  • This sauce is perfect for batch cooking and freezing.
  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://keepityummy.com/best-bolognese-sauce/

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