Beef Bolognese Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) dry white wine
• 1 can (28 oz or 800g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Pasta of your choice (e.g., tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 7-10 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

1. Cook the meat:

• Add the ground beef (and ground pork, if using) to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

1. Add the milk:

• Pour in the milk and let it simmer until it has mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes. This step helps tenderize the meat and adds richness to the sauce.

1. Add the wine:

• Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until it has mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes.

1. Add the tomatoes and seasonings:

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

1. Simmer the sauce:

• Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become.

1. Cook the pasta:

• About 15 minutes before the sauce is ready, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. Finish the sauce:

• Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

1. Serve:

• Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your homemade Beef Bolognese Sauce! This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying meal.