Sunday Ragù alla Bolognese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A slow-simmered meat sauce using authentic Bolognese techniques with no tomatoes, featuring rich beef and wine reduction for deep, complex flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 170 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, finely diced (1 cup) onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a heavy pot over medium-low, add ground beef and ground pork, breaking up meat with a spoon until no longer pink (8-10 minutes), then drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup finely diced onion, 1/2 cup diced carrot, and 1/2 cup diced celery; cook for 8 minutes until softened and golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup dry red wine and simmer until evaporated (5 minutes), then add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until deep red.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup beef stock, 1/4 cup whole milk, and 1/4 cup chopped basil; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2.5 hours until sauce is thick and meat is tender, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sunday Ragù alla Bolognese take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 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 Sunday 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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sunday 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 Sunday Ragù alla Bolognese 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 Sunday Ragù alla Bolognese?

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.

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