Get ready to fall in love with the heartwarming, rich, and utterly satisfying Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian! This dish brings together tender pasta and a deeply flavored meat sauce simmered to perfection—a true taste of Italian comfort. Every bite is a celebration of tastes and textures: sweet tomato richness, savory browned meat, and aromatic veggies woven together into a cozy embrace. If you’re craving a soul-soothing meal that feels like an Italian holiday at your own kitchen table, this Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian is your ticket.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian lies in gathering simple, honest ingredients and letting them shine. From a fragrant medley of veggies to the robust meat and silky tomato, these essentials work together to create a sauce that’s blissfully rich without being fussy.
- Olive oil: This is your flavor foundation, giving vegetables and meats that lovely first layer of richness.
- Onion (finely chopped): Sweet and aromatic, onion provides depth to the sauce and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Carrot (finely chopped): Carrot’s subtle sweetness lifts the flavors and adds a hint of color, making the sauce more vibrant.
- Celery stalk (finely chopped): Classic in Italian cooking, celery adds a gentle, earthy undertone to the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Just two cloves wake up the whole dish, infusing every bite with irresistible fragrance.
- Ground beef (or mix of beef and pork): The savory soul of the classic Bolognese, giving the sauce its signature heartiness and body.
- Dry red wine: Adds a touch of complexity and helps the flavors marry as the sauce simmers (don’t skip—this is what gives true depth!).
- Whole milk: This surprise ingredient mellows the acidity and rounds out the sauce with velvety creaminess.
- Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): These bring bright tomato tang and a lush, saucy texture.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies all those beloved tomato flavors.
- Dried oregano: Adds aromatic, herby notes that are unmistakably Italian in every spoonful.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste; awaken and balance all the flavors—don’t be shy!
- Nutmeg (optional): Just a whisper, but it makes the sauce taste warm and subtly sophisticated.
- Pasta (tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti): Wide ribbons are classic, but any favorite shape holds up beautifully to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): The essential crowning glory—nutty, salty, and totally irresistible.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A final burst of freshness and color, perfect for Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian.
How to Make Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery together—this “soffritto” is the heart of every great Italian sauce. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables turn soft and fragrant. Once they look glossy and slightly golden around the edges, toss in the garlic and let it cook for just one more minute. This sets the savory and aromatic foundation for your Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Now, add the ground beef (or a beef and pork blend) right into the pot with your veggies. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and crumbly, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is where you build those deep, savory flavors that make Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian so irresistible. Don’t rush—browning is key!
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry red wine, and use your spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer and reduce for 5 minutes, which helps concentrate its flavor and gives the sauce an unmistakable richness. You’ll notice the aroma shifting to something complex and heady—hard to resist!
Step 4: Add Milk and Simmer
Stir in the whole milk and let it gently bubble away for another 5 minutes. This might sound unusual, but milk works wonders here, softening the acidity from the tomatoes and making your Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian beautifully smooth.
Step 5: Tomato Time
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it. Stir everything together until well combined. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 45 minutes, up to an hour (or even longer if you can). Stir now and then, and let patience reward you with a sauce that’s intensely flavorful and thick.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta of choice until it’s just al dente—this way, it’ll hold its own beneath all that glorious Bolognese sauce. Drain, but save about ½ cup of that pasta water for later.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
Combine the pasta and sauce in the pot, tossing everything together until each strand is luxuriously coated. If it seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Serve the Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian hot, sprinkled generously with grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley for an authentic Italian finish.
How to Serve Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian
Garnishes
Nothing finishes Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian like a generous dusting of grated Parmesan and a flurry of fresh basil or parsley. The cheese melts ever so slightly on the hot pasta, adding a savory, nutty bite, while the herbs give a pop of green freshness. For a dinner party touch, leave a bowl of freshly cracked black pepper at the table!
Side Dishes
For the ultimate Italian feast, pair your Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Warm, crusty bread or garlic focaccia is perfect for swiping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a classic Caprese salad also make beautiful, colorful companions on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try twirling the pasta into high nests with tongs for that restaurant-style look, or serve individual portions in shallow pasta bowls and finish with an artful drizzle of good olive oil. For a family-style vibe, pile the Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian onto a big platter and let everyone help themselves. A few sprigs of fresh herbs or edible flowers can make it look worthy of a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian into airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even more delicious. Stored well, it’ll keep for up to 4 days, ready for a speedy, satisfying reheat.
Freezing
This sauce freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers (just the sauce, not the pasta), and let it cool completely before sealing. Frozen, Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian sauce stays fabulous for up to three months, making it your secret weapon on busy nights. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Bolognese sauce on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s a little thick. For the pasta, you can quickly dunk it in boiling water for 30 seconds to revive, or simply combine fresh-cooked noodles with your reheated sauce. Serve hot with new sprinkles of cheese and herbs.
FAQs
Can I use a meat substitute for a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! Swap the meat with your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative or try a hearty lentil version. Just be sure to brown the substitute well and follow the same steps for layering flavor to keep your Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian rich and satisfying.
Do I have to use red wine?
While red wine adds depth and tradition, you can skip it if desired—just use a splash of extra broth or a little water. The result will still be tasty, though wine does bring that signature complexity to Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian.
What’s the best pasta shape for this sauce?
Wide, flat noodles like tagliatelle and pappardelle are classic, as their shape beautifully captures the hearty sauce. However, spaghetti, rigatoni, or even penne are all excellent choices—use whatever you have and love for your Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian!
How can I make this dairy-free?
To make Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian dairy-free, simply omit the milk (or use an unsweetened dairy-free milk) and skip the Parmesan or sprinkle a plant-based alternative on top. The sauce will still be rich and luscious.
Can I simmer the sauce longer?
Yes, and you should if time allows! Letting your Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian sauce simmer for up to 2 or even 3 hours makes it even more luxurious and flavorful. Just keep the heat low and stir occasionally—your taste buds will thank you.
Final Thoughts
With every bite of Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian, you’ll find yourself transported straight to an Italian trattoria, surrounded by laughter and love. This recipe is cozy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. Don’t wait to discover just how comforting, flavorful, and easy Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian can be in your own kitchen—gather your ingredients and enjoy a taste of Italy tonight!
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Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of a classic Italian Pasta Bolognese. This hearty meat sauce is simmered to perfection and served over your favorite pasta, topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 carrot (finely chopped)
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup dry red wine
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For Serving:
- 1 pound pasta (tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook Meat: Brown ground meat, add wine, simmer. Pour in milk, simmer again.
- Add Tomatoes & Spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer sauce for 45 mins to 1 hour.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta al dente, reserve some pasta water.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta with Bolognese sauce, adding pasta water to loosen.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan and herbs before serving hot.
Notes
- For richer flavor, simmer the sauce for 2–3 hours if time allows. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
