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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 stalk celery, diced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 cup beef broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish To make a tasty beef Bolognese, you need key ingredients. Ground beef is the main protein and gives your sauce a hearty base. Fresh vegetables add flavor and texture. Onion, garlic, carrot, and celery create a strong flavor base. Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste bring richness and depth. Beef broth keeps the sauce moist and adds more beef flavor. Dried oregano and basil are classic herbs that enhance the taste. - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - Alternative protein options like ground turkey or lentils You can adjust the spice with red pepper flakes. If you want a bit of heat, add them to the sauce. If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey works well. For a vegetarian twist, try lentils. These options let you personalize your Bolognese. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to become soft and fragrant. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute. The aroma will be amazing, and your base is now ready. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until it is browned, about 8-10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Make sure there are no pink bits left. This step is key for flavor and texture. Once the beef is browned, it’s time to mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir until everything is well combined. Next, add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper. Taste as you go; this is crucial for a delicious sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, lower the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. If you can, simmer it for up to 2 hours. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavor will be. Stir occasionally and taste again for seasoning. Adjust as needed. This step makes your Bolognese truly hearty and flavorful. To get the best texture for your sauce, focus on simmering time. A gentle simmer for at least 30 minutes is key. This allows the flavors to mix well. If you have more time, you can simmer for up to 2 hours. The longer it cooks, the richer the taste. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of beef broth. This helps loosen it up. If it is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit. This will help it thicken naturally. For flavor adjustments, taste your sauce as it cooks. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preference. If you want more depth, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients boost the umami flavor. Also, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese while cooking. It melts in and adds a creamy touch. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add brightness right before serving. These small tweaks make a big difference in flavor. Pro Tips Use Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option and better flavor, or consider mixing in some ground pork for added richness. Layer Your Flavors: For a deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine after browning the meat and let it reduce before adding the tomatoes. Let it Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer longer than the minimum time for the best flavor development; a slow simmer for up to 2 hours makes a big difference. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness that brightens the dish. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian Bolognese. Use lentils or mushrooms instead of beef. Lentils give a hearty texture. They soak up flavors well. Use cooked green or brown lentils. They add protein and fiber. Mushrooms add umami and richness. Finely chop them and sauté with the vegetables. This swap keeps the dish filling and satisfying. Want to mix things up? You can use ground turkey or chicken. They are leaner than beef. This change makes the dish lighter. If you like red meat, try pork. Ground pork adds a nice flavor. It’s a bit sweeter than beef. Each meat brings a unique taste to your sauce. You can easily play with flavors in your Bolognese. Want it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes. This gives heat and depth. For an Italian twist, use more herbs. Rosemary or thyme work great. You can even add a splash of red wine. It enhances the sauce's richness. Customize it to fit your taste! To keep your beef Bolognese fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work well. They do not stain and seal tightly. Plastic containers are great too, just ensure they are BPA-free. Store the sauce in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is the way to go. Freezing is easy and keeps the sauce tasty. First, let the Bolognese cool completely. Then, divide it into portions. Use freezer bags or containers, leaving space for expansion. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze the sauce for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating is simple and can be done on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, add the sauce to a pot over low heat. Stir often to prevent burning. If using the microwave, place the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you keep all the flavors intact. Enjoy it warm over your favorite pasta! Yes, you can! Making Hearty Beef Bolognese Sauce in advance is a great idea. The flavors get better as they sit. After cooking, let the sauce cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can make it up to three days before you plan to serve it. This way, you save time on busy days. Just reheat it before serving. The taste will be rich and deep, perfect for your pasta. Bolognese sauce pairs well with many types of pasta. Some popular choices are: - Spaghetti - Fettuccine - Pappardelle - Tagliatelle These pasta types hold the sauce well. Their shapes capture the hearty beef and rich flavors. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed. Choose a pasta that you enjoy for the best meal. You can store Bolognese sauce in the fridge for about three days. Make sure you keep it in an airtight container. This helps to keep the sauce fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Bolognese sauce can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat. Enjoy the same tasty flavor as when it was first made! In this article, we explored the making of a hearty beef Bolognese sauce. We discussed essential ingredients like ground beef and fresh vegetables, plus optional items for your personal touch. You learned step-by-step instructions, like sautéing veggies and browning beef. We also covered tips for perfect texture and flavor. Remember to store leftovers safely and reheat carefully. With these insights, you can create a delicious sauce that suits your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey and the flavors you make!

Savory Hearty Beef Bolognese

A rich and flavorful beef bolognese sauce perfect for pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  • Once the beef is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix until everything is well combined.
  • Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more flavor develops (you can simmer for up to 2 hours).
  • Stir occasionally and taste for seasoning, adjusting as necessary.
  • Once finished, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve over your choice of pasta, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Keyword beef, bolognese, pasta, sauce