Authentic Italian Ragù alla Bolognese
A rich, slow-cooked meat sauce with tender beef, pancetta, and a hint of wine, served over al dente pasta. This italian-inspired mexican ready in about 80 minutes pairs 80% lean ground beef ground beef, diced pancetta, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80% lean ground beef ground beef
- 4 oz diced pancetta
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup grated carrots, and 1/2 cup finely chopped celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 4 oz diced pancetta and cook for 3 minutes until crispy. Stir in 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Add 2 cups beef broth and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Serve over 12 oz cooked spaghetti, finishing with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Italian Ragù alla Bolognese take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Italian Ragù alla Bolognese?
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 diced pancetta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Italian Ragù alla Bolognese?
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 Italian Ragù alla Bolognese 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 Italian Ragù alla Bolognese?
Italian mexican 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
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
