Go Back
+ servings
Bolognese sauce served over wide noodles.

Bolognese Sauce

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Rich, hearty bolognese made with ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and fresh vegetables, served over pappardelle for a cozy pasta night.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion, very finely diced (about 1 medium onion)
  • ¼ cup celery, very finely diced (about 1 rib)
  • ¼ cup carrot, very finely diced (about ½ of a small carrot)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup beef broth
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 16 ounces pappardelle noodles, or your favorite pasta
  • Reserved pasta water about ½ cup
  • Shaved parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and heat the olive oil until shimmering.
  • Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon or spatula, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
  • Pour in the whole milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue simmering for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the milk has mostly evaporated.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the beef broth and simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth has mostly reduced.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and develops deep flavor.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water.
  • Using tongs, transfer the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly with the bolognese.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. (You may not need all of it.)
  • Serve immediately, topped with shaved parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if using.