True Bolognese Meat Sauce
A slow-simmered Bolognese that adheres to traditional Italian ratios, using ground beef and pork with a balance of vegetables and wine for authentic depth. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 90 minutes blends extra-virgin olive oil, large onion, carrot 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 600 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
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced onion, 1/2 cup diced carrot, and 1/2 cup diced celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened and golden at edges.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 lb ground beef and 1/2 lb ground pork, breaking up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until deepened in color and fragrant.
- Step 4: Deglaze with 1/2 cup dry red wine, scraping browned bits from pot. Simmer 3-4 minutes until wine reduces by half.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup beef broth, 1/4 cup whole milk, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Bring to simmer, cover, and cook for 60 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does True Bolognese Meat Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover True Bolognese Meat 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 True Bolognese Meat 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 True Bolognese Meat 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 True Bolognese Meat 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
- ★★★★★
I've tried many pasta recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
