Slow-Cooked Authentic Bolognese with San Marzano Tomatoes
A deeply flavorful Italian meat sauce simmered for hours with genuine San Marzano tomatoes and a touch of red wine, embodying true Italian culinary tradition. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 175 minutes pairs pound ground beef, pound ground pork, ounces crushed San Marzano tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 28 ounces crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 medium, finely diced carrots
- 1 stalk, finely diced celery
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering, then add 1 medium diced onion, 1 medium diced carrot, and 1 stalk finely diced celery, sautéing for 8 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound ground beef and 1/2 pound ground pork, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 6 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano, then deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup red wine, scraping up browned bits and simmering until wine evaporates (about 3 minutes).
- Step 4: Add 28 ounces crushed San Marzano tomatoes, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld (sauce should coat the back of a spoon).
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before serving over freshly cooked pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Authentic Bolognese with San Marzano Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 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 Slow-Cooked Authentic Bolognese with San Marzano Tomatoes?
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 pound ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Authentic Bolognese with San Marzano 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 Slow-Cooked Authentic Bolognese with San Marzano 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 Slow-Cooked Authentic Bolognese with San Marzano 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
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
