Authentic Bolognese Ragu with Fresh Pasta

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

A slow-simmered meat sauce with balanced depth of flavor, made with traditional ratios of beef and pork, simmered for hours to develop true Italian authenticity. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 140 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, finely diced carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté 1/2 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 finely diced carrot, 1 finely diced stalk celery, and 1/2 finely diced onion in a large pot over medium heat for 8 minutes until meat is browned and vegetables are softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until darkened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Deglaze with 1 cup red wine, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 5 minutes until wine has evaporated and reduced by half.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Cook 12 oz freshly made pasta according to package directions until al dente, then toss with 2 cups of sauce and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Bolognese Ragu with Fresh Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Ragu with Fresh Pasta?

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 Ragu with Fresh Pasta?

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 Ragu with Fresh Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Ragu with Fresh Pasta?

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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