Along with other sauces like carbonara and Bolognese (or "ragù alla bolognese," its original name), it is one of the best-known and most widely used sauces in Italian cuisine. It is believed to have originated in the city of Bologna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, hence its name.
Besides being a very popular dish, not only in Italy but also worldwide, this ragù is also a symbol of pride in traditional Italian cuisine . So much so that the Italian Academy of Cuisine officially recognized the authentic Bolognese recipe in the early 1980s. That's the one we're sharing with you here, and you'll see that there are a few ingredients that are sure to surprise you. Keep reading!
According to this recipe, Bolognese sauce is made with minced beef, pancetta, finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery; tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, and milk. That's right, you read that correctly.
Bolognese includes milk, which helps to soften the acidity of the tomatoes and adds creaminess. Another distinctive feature is the cooking process, which, unlike other pasta sauces, involves simmering over low heat for at least two hours, allowing the flavors to intensify.
While this official Bolognese sauce recipe is considered one of the best and most authentic ways to prepare it, it's important to remember that, like any traditional recipe, there are as many versions as there are families who adapt it to their tastes and culinary preferences. You can add your own touch too!
Recipe Information
- Preparation time : 10 minutes
- Cooking time : 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Total time : 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Servings : 4
- Category : sauces
- Type of cuisine : Italian
- Calories per serving (kcal) : 428
Ingredients for Bolognese sauce for 4 people
- 50g of carrot
- 50g of onion
- 50g of celery
- 150g of cured bacon
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 300g of minced beef
- 125 ml of red wine
- 300 g crushed tomato (passata di pomodoro)
- 250 ml of meat, poultry or vegetable broth
- 125 ml of milk (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
How to make Bolognese sauce
To begin preparing this sauce, take one small carrot, about 50g, peel it, and chop it. Also peel and chop half an onion, or 50g. Finally, chop one stalk of celery, or 50g. Everything should be chopped very finely.
Next, we take about 150g of cured bacon and remove the rind. We cut it into thick slices, and then cut these into strips. Finally, we cut the strips into small pieces.
With the bacon cut into pieces, we'll take a medium-sized pot. According to the recipe provided by the Academy, a 20 cm pot is ideal for these quantities. We'll heat the pot with the bacon over medium heat until it has browned.
Now, if desired, remove some of the rendered fat from the bacon. Next, add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and the chopped vegetables. Sauté for 10 to 15 minutes, until softened.
Next, add 300g of minced beef. Mix well and sauté until it changes color. Break it up with a spatula to prevent it from clumping.
Next, we add about 125 ml of red wine, turn up the heat a little and let it simmer until it has almost completely evaporated.
Before it dries out, we add about 300g of crushed tomatoes to the pot, cover it and let it heat up until it starts to bubble.
At that point, turn down the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, adding stock little by little as it reduces and the sauce thickens. You'll probably need about 250 ml of stock.
When almost all the cooking time has passed, with about 15 minutes left, you can optionally add 125 ml of whole milk, which will help the tomato lose acidity while giving it a creamier texture.
Finally, let's taste the Bolognese sauce and adjust the salt and pepper. Depending on how salty the pancetta was and whether the stock was salted, you'll need more or less. You can use it immediately or let it rest until the next day.
Easy-to-prepare summary
- Chop the carrot, onion, and celery
- Cut the bacon into small pieces
- Brown the bacon in a medium saucepan.
- Add the oil and vegetables and sauté until softened.
- Add the meat, chop it with the spatula and sauté until it changes color
- Moisten with red wine and let it evaporate
- Add the crushed tomatoes
- Cover and cook for 2 hours, adding the stock little by little.
- About 15 minutes before it's finished, add the milk.
- Finally, taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
30 Best Recipes I Love Making at Home
If you’re like me, you probably enjoy keeping a mix of easy comfort food, classic international dishes, and crowd-pleasing desserts on hand.
Whenever I want something rich and indulgent, I usually go for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And when I’m craving something fruity and comforting, I always come back to this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe.
For easy breakfasts and lighter meals, I often make these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. When I need a gluten-free pantry staple, I also like preparing this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe.
When I’m in the mood for tapas and Mediterranean flavors, I usually rotate between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. I also love serving this crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe when I want something a little more special.
For hearty lunches and cozy dinners, I always recommend this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. If I want something more filling, I’ll often make this baked Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.
Whenever I’m craving street food or party-style dishes, I usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. I also like serving these easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe as a simple appetizer or snack.
And if I’m putting together drinks and a full menu for guests, I’ll often pair dinner with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To round everything out, I love adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing the table with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.
More Delicious Cooking Recipes for Family
Over the years of testing and refining recipes in my own kitchen, I’ve learned that the best dishes combine simplicity, reliable techniques, and bold flavor.
The recipes in this collection are the ones I personally return to again and again—whether I’m cooking a quick meal for myself or preparing something special for friends and family.
For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I often make when I want something elegant but easy. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, learning how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.
When I want something fresh and simple, I usually turn to the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often recommend the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.
I also love sharing traditional dishes from around the world, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.
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