Authentic Slow-Braised Bolognese Sauce
A true Italian tradition where meat and tomatoes gently meld for hours, creating a deeply flavorful sauce that honors the original Italian method. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 145 minutes blends (225g) ground beef, (225g) ground pork, extra-virgin olive oil 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 480 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup (50g), finely diced carrots
- 1/2 cup (50g), finely diced celery
- 1/2 cup (75g), finely diced onion
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry red wine
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 1/4 cup (10g), chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat until shimmering, then add diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 8 minutes until softened and golden at edges.
- Step 2: Add ground beef and pork, breaking up clumps with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5 minutes until browned, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until it deepens in color and becomes fragrant.
- Step 4: Deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup red wine, scraping up browned bits, then simmer until wine evaporates (about 3 minutes).
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, add 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup beef broth, and 1/4 cup fresh basil. Cover and simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and meat is tender.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Slow-Braised Bolognese Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 145 minutes (25 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 Slow-Braised Bolognese Sauce?
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 Slow-Braised Bolognese Sauce?
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 Slow-Braised Bolognese Sauce 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 Slow-Braised Bolognese Sauce?
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
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
