The Best Homemade Bolognese Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade Bolognese recipe is comfort food at its finest, with rich flavors that make it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, using simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. The slow-cooked sauce is hearty and full of depth, making every bite unforgettable. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with pasta, polenta, or even toast for a creative twist. Best of all, it’s a meal that tastes even better the next day, so leftovers become something to look forward to!

Recipe

Bolognese sauce is a rich, meaty Italian classic that’s perfect for pasta, lasagna, or even as a filling for other dishes. This homemade version is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add ground beef and pork. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Pour in the milk and simmer until absorbed, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the white wine and cook until mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove the bay leaf and stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes:

• For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
• The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Cuisine:

Italian

Serving:

6-8 servings

Nutrition

This homemade Bolognese recipe is packed with rich flavors and balanced nutrition. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

What To Serve With It

When I serve my homemade Bolognese, I love pairing it with warm, buttery garlic bread—it’s perfect for soaking up all the rich sauce. A glass of red wine, like a smooth Chianti, complements the flavors beautifully, though I sometimes swap it for a non-alcoholic option if I’m in the mood. These simple additions make the meal feel complete and extra special.

Garlic Bread Options

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked garlic bread wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s paired with a rich Bolognese. My go-to is a crusty baguette, sliced and slathered with a mix of butter, minced garlic, and parsley, then toasted until golden. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use ciabatta or even a cheesy garlic pull-apart loaf. For a quicker option, store-bought garlic bread does the trick—just pop it in the oven. No matter which route I take, it’s always the perfect side to soak up that delicious sauce.

Perfect Wine Pairings

There’s something magical about sipping the right wine with a hearty Bolognese—it elevates the whole meal. I always reach for a medium-bodied red, like a Chianti or Sangiovese, because their acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce. Sometimes, I’ll go for a Barbera if I want something smoother with a hint of cherry. If you’re feeling fancy, a Brunello di Montalcino works beautifully, but honestly, even a simple, earthy Merlot does the trick. Remember, it’s about what you enjoy—don’t stress too much. Just pour a glass, take a bite, and let the flavors dance together. Cheers!