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Classic Pasta Bolognese Recipe

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A classic Italian Pasta Bolognese recipe featuring a rich and savory meat sauce slow-simmered with aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and milk, served over tender Tagliatelle pasta. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and brings authentic flavors to your table in under an hour.

  • Author: Lilya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

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
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Pasta and Garnish

  • 16 ounces Tagliatelle pasta (or any pasta of choice)
  • Chopped parsley for serving
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Brown the beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until browned and crumbly, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  3. Simmer with milk: Pour in the whole milk and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally and allow the milk to mostly evaporate over approximately 10 minutes. This step tenderizes the beef and enriches the sauce.
  4. Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, oregano, and nutmeg. Mix well, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 hours, to deepen the flavors. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  5. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the Tagliatelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
  6. Serve: Divide the cooked pasta into serving bowls, spoon the hot Bolognese sauce over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Notes

  • Simmering the sauce for longer enhances the flavor and tenderizes the meat better.
  • Using whole milk helps tenderize the meat and adds richness to the sauce.
  • Tagliatelle or any wide, flat pasta works best to cling to the hearty sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty, nutty flavor if desired.
  • This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://familyhomemeals.com/classic-pasta-bolognese-recipe/