Name: Authentic Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 small/medium carrot, finely chopped; 1 small celery stalk, finely chopped; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 10½ ounces ground beef (70-80% lean); 10½ ounces ground pork; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir recommended); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2¼ cups tomato puree (passata); ⅓ cup milk (2% or whole); 2-3 pinches salt; 2 dashes pepper; 1-2 whole bay leaves

There is something truly magical about a rich, hearty Bolognese simmered low and slow until every flavor has melded perfectly. This Authentic Bolognese Sauce Recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients into a luscious sauce that wraps around your pasta like a warm, delicious hug. With its deep meaty essence, subtle sweetness from milk, and the robust character of red wine, this sauce isn’t just a meal — it’s a celebration of Italian comfort food tradition that you can recreate in your own kitchen with love and patience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two silver pans on a white marbled surface. The left pan has a layer of small white onion pieces mixed with orange carrot pieces and light green celery pieces spread evenly across the bottom. The right pan contains the same ingredients, but now the pieces are cooked and softer in texture, showing a more mixed and blended look with the colors of orange, white, and light green spread together evenly in one layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward, honest ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the complex flavors and smooth texture that defines an authentic Bolognese. From the fresh veggies that provide aromatic depth to the careful blend of beef and pork for richness, every component matters.

Olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing vegetables and infusing flavor.
Carrot: Offers natural sweetness and color, finely chopped to melt into the sauce.
Celery stalk: Brings subtle earthiness and crunch to balance richness.
Onion: The foundational aromatic, carefully softened to add sweetness and depth.
Ground beef (70-80% lean): Provides the hearty meaty character essential to Bolognese.
Ground pork: Adds fat and tenderness for a perfectly balanced texture.
Dry red wine: Imparts complexity and a touch of acidity that elevates the meat flavors.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato essence, giving richness and thickness.
Tomato puree (passata): Gives the sauce its signature bright, velvety tomato base.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and seasoning contrast.
Whole bay leaves: Infuse the sauce with a subtle herbal note that complements the meatiness.
Milk (2% or whole): Finishes the sauce with a creamy softness and tempers acidity.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Authentic Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by finely chopping the carrot, celery, and onion — don’t make them too pulpy as you want them to gently soften but still provide texture. In a medium to large heavy pot, warm the olive oil and add these vegetables. Cook covered over low heat, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes transparent and the mix is soft and fragrant. This slow base builds the aromatic heart of your Bolognese sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Next, increase the heat to medium and add the ground beef and pork. Stir constantly, breaking the meat into small pieces, until it browns evenly. Browning is crucial for developing deep meaty flavors through caramelization — this step turns humble ground meat into a luscious Bolognese base.

Step 3: Add Red Wine and Reduce

Turn up the heat to high and pour in the dry red wine. Let it cook until the alcohol swiftly evaporates and the liquid reduces almost completely, about 20 to 30 seconds. This step infuses the sauce with that signature wine aroma and rich undertone that makes this an authentic Italian classic.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato and Seasonings, Then Simmer

Lower the heat back to medium-low and stir in tomato paste, tomato puree, salt, freshly ground pepper, and whole bay leaves. Gradually reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot, and let the sauce gently simmer for three hours without boiling. Stir occasionally during this long slow cook to tenderize the meat and let flavors harmonize into a magnificent sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Milk and Serve

Once the slow simmering is complete, remove the bay leaves and stir in the milk. Let the sauce heat through for a few minutes to soften and smooth out acidity. Now your authentic Bolognese sauce is ready to lovingly coat your favorite pasta, making any meal feel extraordinary.

How to Serve Authentic Bolognese Sauce Recipe

A shiny silver pan with two handles holds a thick red tomato sauce. The sauce looks smooth with bits of cooked tomatoes mixed in and has two green bay leaves placed on top in the center. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this sauce packs layers of flavor on its own, finishing it with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a handful of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano creates a brilliant contrast of freshness and umami. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil can add an extra silky touch outdoor compliments the rich sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

A hearty Bolognese pairs wonderfully with classic pasta shapes like tagliatelle or pappardelle, whose wide ribbons cling perfectly to the sauce. For a balanced meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to add freshness and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, consider layering the Bolognese in a lasagna, alternating with béchamel and layers of pasta sheets for a warming layered delight. You can also spoon the sauce over polenta for a rustic twist, or use it as a rich filling in stuffed peppers for an unexpected but crowd-pleasing meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled sauce in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to five days, allowing the flavors to mature even further overnight.

Freezing

The Authentic Bolognese Sauce Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. This means you can have a gourmet meal ready anytime, just waiting to be defrosted and warmed up.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently warm over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling as it can change the texture and separate the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this Bolognese sauce in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, letting the sauce rest overnight in the fridge can enhance the flavors even more as they meld together. It’s perfect for preparing ahead of time when you want an effortless dinner.

What type of pasta is best for Authentic Bolognese Sauce Recipe?

Traditional Italian Bolognese is often served with broad, flat pasta such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, which hold onto the chunky sauce spectacularly. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite shapes.

Can I substitute the red wine with something else?

While the red wine adds a distinctive depth, you can substitute it with beef broth or a mixture of grape juice and a little vinegar if needed. Using white wine is also an option but the flavor profile will differ slightly.

Is it necessary to add milk to the sauce?

The milk adds a lovely creaminess and softens the acidity of the tomatoes. It’s optional depending on your taste and the type of pasta you use, but many cooks swear by this final step to perfect the sauce.

How long should I simmer the sauce for the best results?

Slow cooking is key — ideally simmer the sauce gently for about three hours. This allows the meat to become tender and the flavors to deepen beautifully, which is what makes this an Authentic Bolognese Sauce Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite as comforting or satisfying as a bowl of pasta generously coated in a rich, lovingly crafted Bolognese sauce. With this Authentic Bolognese Sauce Recipe, you have everything you need to bring a touch of Italy’s time-honored culinary magic right to your table. So grab your pot, get ready for some slow cooking, and prepare to delight in a classic that never goes out of style.