If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Simple Bolognese Recipe is here to deliver just that. It’s a classic Italian sauce, rich in flavor and wonderfully satisfying, made with love and straightforward ingredients that come together in about an hour. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory meatiness, fresh herbs, and vibrant tomato goodness that will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to creating a delicious sauce that sings with flavor. Each element in this Simple Bolognese Recipe plays an essential role, from the depth brought by the ground beef to the freshness of the herbs and the gentle sweetness of the vegetables.
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a silky base for sautéing and adds rich, fruity notes.
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped: Gives sweetness and foundational flavor once softened.
- 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped: Adds a punch of aromatic intensity that makes the sauce lively.
- 1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped: Brings a subtle crunch and earthy freshness that balances richness.
- 1 carrot, coarsely chopped: Offers natural sweetness and color, rounding out the vegetables beautifully.
- 1 pound ground chuck beef: The heart of the sauce, delivering meaty lushness and satisfying texture.
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed cherry tomatoes: Imparts a bright, tangy base that simmers down into thick, luscious sauce.
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley: Adds fresh herbal notes and a touch of green vibrancy.
- 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped: Infuses sweet aromatic layers that complement the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all elements together perfectly.
- 1 pound pasta (such as mezzi rigatoni or pappardelle): The ideal vehicle to soak up the sauce’s full, rich flavor.
How to Make Simple Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your coarsely chopped onion and garlic, letting them soften and become fragrant—this usually takes about 8 minutes. This gentle sauté builds the foundational flavors that the entire sauce will rely on.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Next, introduce the celery and carrot to the skillet. These veggies aren’t just for show—they add wonderful texture and subtle sweetness. Cook them alongside the onion and garlic for an additional 5 minutes to let their flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Turn the heat up to high and add the ground chuck beef. Stir and break it apart in the pan as it browns over about 10 minutes. This caramelization step is crucial; it brings rich, savory complexity and locks in the meat’s juices.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed cherry tomatoes, followed by the chopped parsley and basil. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to simmer gently for around 30 minutes until it thickens and the flavors deepen. Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper to perfect the balance.
Step 5: Prepare the Pasta and Combine
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain it well, then toss the pasta with your homemade Simple Bolognese sauce so each strand or piece is luxuriously coated. Now you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Simple Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top makes an excellent finishing touch, adding a salty, nutty layer. For a burst of color and aroma, a few extra basil leaves or a pinch of chopped parsley can brighten the dish right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Simple Bolognese Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some warm garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that saucy goodness. Roasted vegetables or a plate of sautéed greens also offer a healthy, tasty complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, use this sauce over polenta or creamy mashed potatoes instead of pasta. You can also stuff it inside baked bell peppers or roll it into lasagna layers for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s bursting with flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Simple Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick reheat dinners or to toss into other dishes like casseroles or omelets.
Freezing
This sauce freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and keep it for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly without drying out the meat. You can add a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. Microwaving works too, but watch closely to avoid scorching.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While ground chuck beef is classic in this Simple Bolognese Recipe, you can also try ground pork, turkey, or a mix for varying textures and flavors. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Do I have to use fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs really elevate the sauce with their bright, lively flavors, but if you only have dried, you can still use them. Use about one-third of the fresh quantity and add them earlier in the cooking process to let the flavors unfold.
What pasta shapes work best?
Hearty pasta shapes like mezzi rigatoni, pappardelle, or tagliatelle catch the sauce beautifully with their ridges or wide surface area. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta; this Simple Bolognese Recipe is versatile and delicious with any style.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can adapt the recipe by replacing the meat with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian alternative. Just cook the vegetables a bit longer to deepen the flavor.
Is this sauce suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! The rich flavors actually develop more over time, making this Simple Bolognese Recipe an excellent choice for preparing meals in advance. Once cooled, store in airtight containers and enjoy throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Making this Simple Bolognese Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Italy into your home kitchen. It’s easy, soulful, and rewarding, perfect for those days when you want something hearty but not complicated. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become a go-to meal that warms your heart and fills your belly. Give it a try and savor every delicious bite!
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Simple Bolognese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Simple Bolognese recipe offers a hearty and flavorful Italian classic made with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, served over your choice of pasta. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it combines slow-simmered crushed tomatoes and savory spices to create a rich sauce that clings beautifully to mezzi rigatoni or pappardelle.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped
- 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
- 1 pound ground chuck beef
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley
- 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta (such as mezzi rigatoni or pappardelle)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate the chopped celery stalk and carrot into the skillet. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and develop flavor.
- Brown the meat: Increase the heat to high and add the ground chuck beef. Sauté until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed cherry tomatoes, chopped Italian parsley, and basil leaves. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine and serve: Toss the drained pasta with the prepared Bolognese sauce until well coated. Serve hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine when adding the crushed tomatoes.
- Using fresh herbs like basil and parsley enhances the flavor but dried herbs may be used in a pinch.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a different variation.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
