Bolognese Sauce

A classic Bolognese Sauce should be in every home cook’s repertoire! This rich, hearty sauce is slow-cooked to perfection, capturing the essence of Italian comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe offers a smooth texture and robust flavor that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of turkey and beef creates a deep, savory taste that elevates any pasta dish.
• Slow-Cooked Goodness: Cooking the sauce slowly allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting meal.
• Versatile Use: This Bolognese Sauce pairs well with various pastas, making it suitable for different occasions.
• Easy to Prepare: With its straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this delicious recipe.
• Make Ahead: This sauce can be prepared in advance and stored, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to prepare your Bolognese Sauce.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Slotted spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking, it retains heat well and allows for even cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot and helps break up ground meat easily.
• Slotted spoon: Useful for removing cooked ingredients from the pot without excess liquid.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 large carrots (finely chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)

For the Meat

• 4 ounces turkey strips (diced)
• 1 pound ground beef (20% fat)

For Seasoning and Flavor

• Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup dry white apple vinegar
• 1 (28 ounces) can peeled San Marzano tomatoes (hand crushed)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Optional Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano is the best!)
• ½ cup chopped parsley

How to Make Bolognese Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until melted.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened and caramelized for about 5 to 8 minutes.
3. Add garlic; sauté for another couple of minutes until fragrant.
4. Season with salt and pepper; remove the soffritto using a slotted spoon.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Beef

1. If needed, add more olive oil to the pot.
2. Add turkey strips; cook until golden brown for about 5 minutes; reserve them on a plate.
3. In batches, add ground beef; season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned while breaking lumps with a wooden spoon—about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Return reserved soffritto and turkey strips to the pot.
2. Add white apple vinegar; deglaze the pan by scraping up browned bits stuck to the bottom.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil then lower heat to simmer.

Step 4: Slow Cook for Flavor

1. Cover and cook while stirring occasionally for about 3 to 4 hours until thickened.
2. If too liquidy, increase heat briefly while stirring frequently until reduced.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and parsley vigorously to emulsify.
2. Taste for seasoning; adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve Your Masterpiece

Toss with wide pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Bolognese Sauce that brings warmth and joy to your table!

How to Serve Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some delicious ways to serve this classic sauce to elevate your meal.

With Pasta

• Tagliatelle: The wide ribbons of tagliatelle hold the sauce beautifully, allowing each bite to be rich and flavorful.
• Pappardelle: Similar to tagliatelle, pappardelle’s broad shape makes it perfect for capturing the hearty Bolognese.
• Spaghetti: A traditional choice, spaghetti works well for those who enjoy a classic presentation.

On Polenta

• Creamy Polenta: Serve your Bolognese over creamy polenta for a comforting dish that adds a unique texture and flavor.

As a Lasagna Layer

• Lasagna: Use the Bolognese as a filling layer in lasagna, alternating it with cheese and pasta sheets for an indulgent meal.

With Garlic Bread

• Garlic Bread: Pairing your Bolognese with warm garlic bread makes for an excellent way to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.

How to Perfect Bolognese Sauce

Creating the ideal Bolognese Sauce takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you master this beloved recipe.

• Use Quality Meat: Choose fresh ground beef or turkey for the best flavor. Lean cuts typically work well in sauces.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Allow the sauce to simmer for several hours. This develops deeper flavors and improves the overall texture.
• Deglaze Properly: Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot after cooking meat. These bits pack a punch of flavor into your sauce.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking for balanced seasoning.
• Finish with Cream: Adding heavy cream at the end creates a luscious texture that enhances the richness of your sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Bolognese Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Bolognese Sauce can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into leftover sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of Bolognese.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition, balancing out your meal beautifully.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli is easy to prepare and adds a healthy touch alongside your hearty sauce.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light side that complements the richness of Bolognese well.
6. Risotto: A creamy mushroom or vegetable risotto can be an elegant side dish that pairs delightfully with Bolognese Sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bolognese sauce, even the smallest missteps can affect the flavor. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the soffritto – The base of your sauce is crucial. Omitting this step will result in a less flavorful dish. Always sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they are soft and fragrant.
• Not browning the meat properly – Failing to caramelize the meat means missing out on rich flavors. Make sure to cook the ground beef in batches to achieve a nice brown color.
• Adding ingredients too quickly – Rushing through the cooking process can lead to uneven flavors. Take your time and add ingredients gradually, allowing each one to meld into the sauce.
• Using low-quality tomatoes – The quality of tomatoes significantly impacts the sauce’s taste. Opt for high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the best results.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Under-seasoned sauce can be bland. Always taste your Bolognese before serving and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Bolognese sauce in an airtight container.
• It can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Bolognese Sauce

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
• The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Bolognese Sauce

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Bolognese Sauce that may help you perfect your dish.

How long does it take to make Bolognese Sauce?

Bolognese Sauce typically takes around 4 hours to cook slowly for optimal flavor development.

Can I use different meats in my Bolognese Sauce?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes often use beef, you can experiment with turkey or lamb for varied flavors.

What is the best pasta to serve with Bolognese Sauce?

Wide pasta like tagliatelle or pappardelle pairs beautifully with Bolognese Sauce due to their ability to hold the rich sauce well.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute meat with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth for a delicious vegetarian version of Bolognese Sauce.

Final Thoughts

This classic Bolognese Sauce is not only rich and satisfying but also versatile enough for various meals. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or experimenting with different herbs. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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Bolognese Sauce

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this classic Bolognese Sauce, a must-have in every home cook’s collection. This rich and hearty sauce combines turkey and beef for a deep, savory taste that will elevate your pasta dishes. Slow-cooked to perfection, it melds together a medley of aromatic vegetables and seasonings, creating a robust sauce that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Whether you serve it with tagliatelle, pappardelle, or creamy polenta, this versatile sauce is bound to impress your guests and bring warmth to your dining table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 large carrots (finely chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 4 ounces turkey strips (diced)
• 1 pound ground beef (20% fat)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup dry white apple vinegar
• 1 (28 ounces) can peeled San Marzano tomatoes (hand crushed)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
2. Add turkey strips and cook until golden brown; then add ground beef in batches until browned.
3. Return the vegetables and turkey to the pot. Deglaze with vinegar and stir in tomatoes, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg