Description
This classic Pasta Bolognese recipe features a rich and hearty meat sauce simmered slowly with aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs, served over tender tagliatelle pasta. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this dish balances robust flavors with creamy milk to tenderize the beef, resulting in a luscious sauce that satisfies every palate.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 celery sticks, small diced
- 2 carrot sticks, peeled and small diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons oregano
Pasta & Garnish
- 16 ounces Tagliatelle pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- Chopped parsley, for serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook for 5 minutes until it is browned and crumbled, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Simmer with Milk: Pour in the whole milk and allow it to simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps to tenderize the beef and adds richness to the sauce as the milk mostly evaporates.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, and oregano. Mix well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered on low for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour to develop deep flavors. Remove and discard the bay leaf once done.
- Cook the Pasta: When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tagliatelle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Serve: Divide the pasta into individual bowls, top with generous spoonfuls of the Bolognese sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for optimal flavor.
Notes
- Use whole milk to tenderize the beef and add creaminess to the sauce; skim or low-fat milk will reduce richness.
- Simmering the sauce longer (up to 1 hour) deepens flavor and results in a thicker sauce.
- Feel free to substitute tagliatelle with fettuccine, pappardelle, or spaghetti depending on preference.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adding a splash of red wine during the tomato simmer step can enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
