Description
This Homemade Bolognese Sauce is rich, hearty, and full of cozy Italian flavor. Made with a blend of beef and pork, aromatic vegetables, red wine, and milk, it simmers into a silky, meaty sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. Perfect for Sunday dinners or make-ahead freezer meals, this recipe brings warmth and comfort to any table.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
1 tablespoon butter – adds rich flavor
1 small onion, finely diced – for sweetness
1 carrot, finely diced – balances acidity
1 celery stalk, finely diced – adds depth
3 garlic cloves, minced – aromatic base
½ lb ground beef (80/20) – for hearty richness
½ lb ground pork – for flavor and tenderness
2 tablespoons tomato paste – deepens tomato flavor
½ cup red wine – deglazes and adds complexity (or beef broth)
1 (28 oz) can crushed or whole San Marzano tomatoes, hand-crushed
1 cup whole milk – for creaminess and balance
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning – oregano, basil, thyme blend
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish
Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook 7–10 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the meat: Add ground beef and pork. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor.
Deglaze with wine: Pour in red wine (or broth), scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 3–4 minutes until reduced.
Add tomatoes and milk: Stir in crushed tomatoes and milk. Mix well to combine.
Season and simmer: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Taste and finish: Adjust seasoning, stir in fresh basil, and serve over pasta with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Make ahead: Sauce tastes even better the next day — store up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
No wine? Substitute beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Vegetarian option: Replace meat with lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
Pasta pairing: Best with pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni.
Freezer tip: Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: homemade bolognese sauce, Italian meat sauce, pasta dinner, cozy comfort food, freezer meal
