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
Scale
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.
