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–+ servings

How to Make Bolognese Sauce

Homemade Bolognese sauce by Chef John is hearty and intensely flavorful with mirepoix and ground beef simmered in plum tomatoes, milk, and white wine.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery finely chopped
  • 2 carrots finely chopped
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 28 ounces canned plum tomatoes crushed
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil until bubbling.
  2. Add onion, celery, carrot, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 8 minutes.
  4. Pour in milk and simmer gently until absorbed, 5–7 minutes.
  5. Stir in wine, cook until liquid reduces by half, about 5 minutes.
  6. Mix in crushed plum tomatoes, bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve over your favorite pasta with grated Parmesan.
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