Authentic Bolognese Ragù alla Modenese
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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onions
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 3 oz diced pancetta
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and meat is tender.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many pasta recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
