Our healthy version of our Bolognese sauce recipe has always been a staple in my family. My grandmother’s recipe was passed down from generation to generation, and it’s one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. In this recipe, I’m sharing my take on this classic Italian sauce, made with hearty ground beef and aromatic herbs. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Make sure to choose a low-fat meat to guarantee a high quality protein without a high percentage of fat.
Learn how to make a classic Bolognese sauce that’s rich, hearty, and perfect for a cozy Italian dinner. This easy-to-follow bolognese sauce recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Duration: 30 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Budget: Affordable
Serving size : 4 to 6 servings
Calories: 120 kcals / person
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (low fat – ideally 5%)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 can (30 ml / 28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 30 ml / 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 grams / 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 gram / 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 gram / 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 gram / 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 30 ml / 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Add a pinch of sugar to give your sauce a very different taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Add 2 chopped carrots and 2 chopped celery stalks. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips
For a smoother sauce, you can puree the vegetables in a blender or food processor before adding them to the pot.
You can also add a splash of cream or milk to the sauce to make it even richer and creamier.
Leftover Bolognese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
In addition to Origano try herbs of provence.
If you want to enhance the flavor of our Bolognese sauce recipe, consider adding a splash of red wine. Red wine adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with other ingredients. The acidity and tannins in the wine help break down the meat and add a slightly sweet, fruity note to the sauce. For best results, use a dry red wine, such as Chianti or Barbera, and let it simmer with the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Add this secret ingredient to your Bolognese sauce recipe for a gourmet touch that will impress your guests!