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Authentic Italian Pasta Bolognese: 1 Hearty Recipe

Italian Pasta Bolognese You
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Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese is a rich and hearty dish featuring a savory meat sauce, perfect for family dinners. This recipe offers a comforting and flavorful Italian experience with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound pasta (tagliatelle or your choice)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
  2. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes.
  6. If using red wine, pour it into the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Allow it to simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes.
  7. Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together.
  8. Add oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  9. Lower the heat and let the sauce cook gently for at least 45 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add more broth if it thickens too much.
  10. In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
  11. Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Toss the cooked pasta in with the sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated.
  12. Plate the pasta, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • For a burst of flavor, use fresh herbs like basil and oregano instead of dried.
  • Let the Bolognese sauce rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • Experiment with different meats like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Slow simmering is key for developing rich flavors in your Bolognese.
  • Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
  • For a vegetarian option, swap meat for lentils or mushrooms.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili peppers for a spicy Bolognese.
  • Include diced zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
  • Use other pasta shapes like pappardelle or penne.
  • Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze the cooled sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened.
  • To make this recipe in a slow cooker, add sautéed vegetables and browned meat to the slow cooker and simmer on low for 6–8 hours.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummywords.com/italian-pasta-bolognese-recipe/

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