Name: Easy Weeknight Bolognese Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or sausage (or a combination); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, finely chopped (optional); 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or passata; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 splash of red wine (optional); 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (optional)

Description

A comforting and simple Bolognese sauce that transforms weeknight dinners into a delightful family feast.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef or sausage (or a combination)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped (optional)
2 celery stalks, finely chopped (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or passata
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 splash of red wine (optional)
1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Have your vegetables chopped and ready to go.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Brown the Meat: Increase the heat slightly, add ground beef or sausage and brown, breaking it into small pieces. Add mushrooms if using and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Simmer with Tomatoes: Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine if using. Add dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Allow to come to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Let It Cook: Cover the skillet and cook for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tasting & Adjusting: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Add sugar if too acidic.
Serve: Serve over your favorite pasta or with crusty bread, topped with parmesan if desired.

Notes

This sauce is best when simmered slowly to meld the flavors. Feel free to personalize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Bolognese, Pasta Sauce, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Comfort Food, Family Recipe