Authentic Bolognese Ragù alla Modenese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-simmered meat sauce made with 19th-century techniques, using only traditional ingredients for true Italian authenticity. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 205 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 180 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crisp (3-4 minutes), then add carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté for 8 minutes until vegetables soften and onions are golden.
  2. Step 2: Add ground beef and pork, breaking up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains (8-10 minutes), then pour in 1 cup dry red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
  3. Step 3: Simmer wine for 5 minutes until mostly evaporated, then add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 14 oz diced tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and meat is tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Discard any excess fat from the surface before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Bolognese Ragù alla Modenese take to make?

Total time is about 205 minutes (25 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Bolognese Ragù alla Modenese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Bolognese Ragù alla Modenese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Bolognese Ragù alla Modenese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Bolognese Ragù alla Modenese?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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