Authentic Slow-Cooked Bolognese with Fresh Basil
A deeply flavorful Italian ragù made with a slow-simmered tomato base and rich meat, finished with fresh basil for an authentic taste of Northern Italy. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 145 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup, finely diced carrots
- 1/2 cup, finely diced celery
- 1/2 cup, finely diced onion
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add 1/2 lb ground beef and 1/2 lb ground pork; break up with a spoon and cook for 5 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup finely diced carrots, 1/2 cup finely diced celery, and 1/2 cup finely diced onion; cook for 7-8 minutes until vegetables are softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until deep red, then pour in 1/2 cup dry red wine and simmer for 2 minutes until alcohol evaporates.
- Step 4: Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 14 oz diced tomatoes, and 1 tsp dried oregano; bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.
- Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld; stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Slow-Cooked Bolognese with Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 145 minutes (25 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 Slow-Cooked Bolognese with Fresh Basil?
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 Slow-Cooked Bolognese with Fresh Basil?
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-Cooked Bolognese with Fresh Basil 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 Slow-Cooked Bolognese with Fresh Basil?
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
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
