05/07/2026
How to Make Bolognese Sauce? Check out the ingredients for a homemade bolognese sauce recipe and preparation.
Bolognese sauce (Ragù alla Bolognese) is a thick Italian sauce prepared primarily with ground beef, onions, carrots, celery stalks (soffritto), tomatoes/tomato paste, beef broth, and olive oil, and simmered for a long time. Classic recipes also include white wine, milk, or cream for added flavor depth.
Ingredients
Meat: 500g medium-fat ground beef (a small amount of brisket is recommended for flavor).
1 large onion
1 carrot
2 celery stalks (all finely chopped).
1 cup milk (to tenderize the meat)
1 cup dry white wine (optional, for acidity)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
400g tomato puree
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter.
Spices: Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of grated nutmeg.
🧑🍳 BOLOGNESE SAUCE RECIPE:
Melt olive oil and butter in a large saucepan. Add finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery stalks. Sauté over low heat until the vegetables are completely softened and translucent (about 10 minutes).
Add the ground meat to the saucepan. Pressing the meat with the back of a spoon to prevent lumps, sauté until it is completely browned.
Tip: Add the milk and cook until the milk is completely absorbed. This helps keep the meat tender against acidity. Then, if available, add the wine and cook until the alcohol has evaporated.
Add the tomato paste and sauté for a minute, then add the tomato puree, salt, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cook with the lid slightly ajar for at least 3 hours. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add small amounts of hot beef broth. The sauce should have a thick, creamy consistency, with the oil rising to the surface, as shown in the picture.
Cheese: Add plenty of finely grated Parmesan or aged cheddar cheese to the sauce.
Herbs: Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley or basil for color contrast.
Serving: As shown in the picture, a rustic wooden spoon and an earthenware bowl will complete the traditional feel of the sauce.
👨🍳 Enjoy!