If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that truly warms the heart and soul, this Simple Bolognese Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a classic Italian sauce that’s incredibly rich in flavor yet surprisingly easy to prepare. Bursting with savory ground beef, fresh herbs, and juicy cherry tomatoes, every bite delivers that perfect balance of robust and fresh tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or aiming to impress friends with minimal fuss, this Simple Bolognese Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Simple Bolognese Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen for their role in creating a sauce that’s both flavorful and satisfying. From fresh vegetables to aromatic herbs and quality meat, every element adds depth and texture, making the cooking process as rewarding as the meal itself.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a silky base and brings out the flavors of the aromatics beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a foundational depth to the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Imparts a fragrant punch that’s essential for that classic Italian aroma.
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped: Offers a subtle crunch and natural freshness.
- 1 carrot, finely chopped: Sweetens the sauce gently while contributing vibrant color.
- 1 lb ground chuck beef: Rich, flavorful, and perfect for creating a hearty, meaty sauce.
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, crushed: Brings a burst of bright acidity and juiciness to balance the richness.
- ¼ cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped: Adds herbal brightness and a pop of green.
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Elevates the sauce with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated: Delivers a salty, tangy finishing touch that ties the dish together.
- 12 oz pasta (such as pappardelle): A wide, flat noodle that holds the sauce perfectly for every indulgent bite.
How to Make Simple Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently until they become soft, translucent, and fragrant. This crucial first step builds the foundational flavor for your sauce, turning simple ingredients into something truly mouthwatering.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next, stir in the finely chopped celery and carrot. These humble veggies add a subtle crunch and natural sweetness, giving your Bolognese a wonderful texture and complexity. Let them cook for about five minutes until they soften and meld perfectly with the onions and garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Turn the heat up to high and add the ground chuck beef to your skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns, ensuring every bite is tender and evenly cooked. This step should take about 10 minutes, and it’s where the sauce starts to develop that rich, meaty heart you love.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Once the beef is nicely browned, stir in the crushed cherry tomatoes along with the chopped parsley and basil. Lower the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer gently for 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to marry beautifully. Remember to stir occasionally and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your choice of pasta, such as pappardelle, until al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. Drain well, saving a little pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce when combining.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
Finally, toss the perfectly cooked pasta with the rich Bolognese sauce, ensuring every strand or ribbon is generously coated. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese on top. You’ve just created a dish full of flavor and love, great for any occasion.
How to Serve Simple Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Simple Bolognese Recipe shine even brighter at the table, add some fresh garnishes like extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. A grating of Pecorino Romano adds a sharp, salty finish that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve this saucy delight alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop. Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, can add a fresh, colorful contrast, making the meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try plating the pasta in individual shallow bowls and piping the Bolognese sauce artistically on top. Arrange some vibrant cherry tomatoes or edible flowers around the edge for a feast that’s as stunning visually as it is delicious. Even serving it layered with grilled eggplant slices can add a fun twist to this humble classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Simple Bolognese Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the sauce on its own or mixed with cooked pasta for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. This way, you’ll have a ready-made meal whenever time is tight.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. If reheating pasta mixed with the sauce, heat slowly to avoid overcooking, and toss occasionally so it warms evenly. Freshly grated Pecorino cheese on top after warming always brings it back to life.
FAQs
Can I use another type of ground meat for this Simple Bolognese Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chuck beef is traditional and flavorful, you can substitute ground turkey, pork, or a mix for a slightly different taste and texture. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this Simple Bolognese Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, by replacing the meat with finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute, you can still enjoy a rich, satisfying sauce that honors the recipe’s spirit.
What pasta types work best with the Simple Bolognese Recipe?
Pappardelle is a classic choice due to its wide ribbons, but other pastas like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even rigatoni hold the sauce wonderfully well, making every bite delicious.
How long does it take to make this Simple Bolognese Recipe from start to finish?
The prep is quick, about 10 minutes, but the sauce simmers for 30 minutes, so expect roughly 45 minutes in total to create this comforting meal.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce tastes even better when made ahead and allowed to sit overnight, which lets the flavors develop even more. Just reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Bolognese Recipe is proof that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a comforting, delicious dish that welcomes everyone to the table and always leaves you reaching for seconds. Give it a try, and soon it will be one of your go-to recipes for cozy dinners that feel like a warm hug in every bite.
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Simple Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Simple Bolognese recipe is a classic Italian meat sauce that combines sautéed aromatics, ground chuck beef, and fresh herbs simmered in crushed cherry tomatoes. Paired with your choice of pasta and topped with Pecorino Romano cheese, this hearty dish serves 6 and is perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground chuck beef
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, crushed
- ¼ cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 12 oz pasta (such as pappardelle)
- ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently for about 8 minutes until they become soft and fragrant but not browned.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped celery and carrot, continuing to sauté for another 5 minutes to soften the vegetables and build flavor.
- Cook the Beef: Increase the heat to high, add the ground chuck beef to the skillet, and cook until it is no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Break up any large pieces with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed cherry tomatoes along with the chopped parsley and basil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well once cooked.
- Combine & Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the prepared Bolognese sauce ensuring an even coating. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for a rich, savory finish.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine when cooking the beef.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta options.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes.
- Adding finely chopped mushrooms can enhance the texture and flavor of the sauce.
