A Classic Guide to Crafting the Perfect Bolognese Sauce: An Italian Delicacy

Nothing beats a good bolognese. This rich and flavorful red sauce, stirred through pasta or served over it, makes for one hearty and comforting meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential ingredients and steps to make a classic Italian-style bolognese that becomes the Sunday sauce you'll want to prepare every weekend.

Bolognese Sauce Ingredients

1. Olive Oil

Start your sauce with a little olive oil to sauté the vegetables. Feel free to use butter instead for more flavor, or a combination of both for that unique taste.

2. Mirepoix/Soffritto

A mirepoix is an essential flavor base for the sauce, made from humble vegetables such as onions, celery, and carrots. I also add garlic, as many traditional recipes may omit this. The carrots naturally breakdown and balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, no need to add sugar. Garlic adds another layer of depth to the sauce.

3. Ground Meat

I use a blend of lean ground beef and ground pork, half and half. However, you can use a wider blend of ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal, or go with ground Italian pork sausage for the ground pork. Choose based on your preference and accessibility.

4. Pancetta

Add finely chopped pancetta, Italian unsmoked bacon, for extra flavor. It’s optional but highly recommended for a more authentic bolognese sauce.

5. Spices

Traditional bolognese sauces are made with very few spices, just salt and pepper. However, I like to add a touch of chili flakes, bay leaves, and Italian seasoning, or a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and basil. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

6. Tomato Paste

Tomato paste adds rich flavor and depth to any sauce. Start with a generous amount for a richer flavor.

7. Wine

Use red or white wine. Red wine is more common, but white wine works well too, mirroring the traditional method.

8. Milk

Milk is a key ingredient in an authentic Bolognese sauce because it helps balance the acidity in the tomatoes and adds a rich and creamy flavor. Use whole milk for best results, as heavy cream can be too rich and overpowering.

9. Crushed Tomatoes

Use high-quality crushed tomatoes, either fresh or canned. Crushed tomatoes or passata are both options. Some recipes use marinara sauce as the base, but crushed tomatoes typically work well.

10. Broth

I use chicken broth, but beef broth can also enrich the sauce. Either broth provides necessary liquid for the sauce to simmer.

11. Herbs

Fresh parsley or basil can be added to finish off the sauce, or used as a garnish for presentation.

12. Parmigiano Reggiano

Grate Parmigiano Reggiano directly into the sauce, or serve it on the side for extra flavor. Freshly grated cheese is always recommended for the best taste.

How to Make Bolognese

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

Cook chopped onion, celery, carrot, and garlic in olive oil until sweet and tender.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

Brown the beef and pork, along with the pancetta, and mix them with the cooked vegetables.

Step 3: Stir in the Tomato Paste and Spices

Add tomato paste and spices, including chili flakes and bay leaves, and cook for a couple of minutes to release their flavors.

Step 4: Add the Wine

Stir in the wine to deglaze and reduce. This step helps to extract the flavors and sugars from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Add the Milk

Incorporate the milk and reduce until the flavors are perfectly balanced. The milk adds a rich, creamy texture and tenderizes the meat.

Step 6: Add the Other Liquids

Add crushed tomatoes, stock, and any remaining spices. Stir well to combine.

Step 7: Simmer

Cover the sauce and let it simmer for 1-3 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful and rich the sauce becomes. Adjust the temperature and cover during the simmer to achieve the desired consistency.

Experiment with optional add-ins like a parmesan rind, anchovies, sun-dried tomatoes, or red bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. This guide provides the foundational steps to make the perfect bolognese sauce, ensuring your culinary creations bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table.