Homemade bolognese

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup pancetta or bacon, finely chopped
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
2. Cook the Base:
   • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Meat:
   • Add the ground beef, ground pork, and pancetta to the pot.
   • Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Pour in the milk and simmer, stirring frequently, until the milk has evaporated, about 10 minutes.
   • Add the white wine and simmer until it has evaporated, about 10 minutes.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of water as needed.
5. Finish the Sauce:
   • Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 10 minutes.
   • Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle.
   • Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

Enjoy this rich and hearty Italian Bolognese sauce, perfect for a comforting and delicious meal!