Authentic Bolognese Sauce with Slow-Cooked Beef and Tomatoes
A rich, slow-simmered Italian classic where tender beef and tomatoes meld into a deeply flavorful sauce, perfect for coating fresh pasta with true Roman authenticity. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 140 minutes blends (450g) ground beef, (225g) ground pork, medium, finely diced carrots into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 medium, finely diced carrots
- 1 stalk, finely diced celery
- 1 small, finely diced onion
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz (800g) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown 1 lb ground beef and 1/2 lb ground pork in a large pot over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, breaking into small crumbles, until no pink remains; drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium carrot, 1 diced celery stalk, and 1 diced small onion to the pot; cook for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until darkened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Deglaze with 1/2 cup red wine, scraping up browned bits, and simmer until wine evaporates. Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 cup water; reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Bolognese Sauce with Slow-Cooked Beef and Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Authentic Bolognese Sauce with Slow-Cooked Beef and Tomatoes?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Bolognese Sauce with Slow-Cooked Beef and Tomatoes?
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 Sauce with Slow-Cooked Beef and Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Sauce with Slow-Cooked Beef and Tomatoes?
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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
