Bolognese Sauce is a meat sauce sometimes referred to as Ragu. It’s flavor comes from the combined flavors of slow cooking the wine, plum tomatoes, and milk. There are many versions of how to make this sauce, along with several opinions on what pasta shape is best to use. However, as with all Italian cooking, it is a matter of taste preference.
Many years ago my mother bought me this cook book and it became one of my favorite cookbooks of all time.
My family has enjoyed many recipes from this book and as a testimonial to its favorable success. My son RJ has purchased this book and has also gifted it to my daughter. I enjoy how Marcella explains recipes, with stories in lieu of just printing the recipes. While I was staying with my son Brad and daughter in law Kayla back in September, I made them her Pasta Bolognese Sauce, which is one of my son’s favorite meals. As with I do all recipes here is my adapted version from her cookbook.
Pasta Bolognese Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of butter (plus one pat for pasta)
- ½ chopped onion
- ½ cup of celery
- ½ cup chopped carrots
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt & pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- Dash of nutmeg
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 ½ cups of chopped plum tomatoes in their juice (do not drain)
- 1 lb pasta
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
My husband always adds hot giardiniera on top of his pasta for an extra kick. Whereas I personally feel that the nutmeg gives the sauce a slight sweet flavor that I prefer to savor.
Directions:
Melt the butter in a large pot and add the oil, then add the onion, the celery, and the carrot. Continue to stir while the vegetables soften and cook.
Now add your meat, Marcella suggests not using too lean a cut of meat because you want the fat to add to the flavor. I used ground beef, but she also suggests using cut up chuck roast. Add salt and pepper to taste and cook the meat until browned but not quite thoroughly cooked.
Next, slowly pour in the milk and add a dash of nutmeg. Stir completely and allow it to simmer slowly. Next add the wine and plum tomatoes. Bring mixture to a bubble then lower the heat and let cook for a couple of hours stirring often. Add to pasta that has been cooked and drained then tossed with just a pat of butter. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve.
Happy anniversary!!!
Hello Terry,
Thank you very much! That is sweet of you to reach out 🙂
have a great week,
Nancy
I LOVE bolognese sauces and I am always experimenting by changing up a few ingredients. I’m def going to try yours soon! Looks delish!
Hello Gwen,
It does depend on what I have in the pantry, however with tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic you can’t go wrong. I hope you like it. Please reach out and let me know how it turns out.
All the Best!
Nancy
This is the perfect recipe for a cool Fall day! I love pasta bolognese and I look forward to trying it!
Hi Michele,
This recipe has been a staple in the Weiss household for years. The leftovers are also a tasty meal too! Please let me know if you decide to make it. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Regards,
Nancy
You are one beautiful lady. I have a confession: I thought the blender of tomatoes was strawberry daiquiris. (And I’m not apologizing, doesn’t strawberry daiquiris sound good right now??)
Great receipe. Gorgeous blog.
And I LOVE the pumpkin napkins! 🙂
Wendy
Wendy you are too funny. Actually Strawberry Daiquiris sound pretty good right about now. Thank you for visiting my blog 🙂
Regards,
Nancy
I made this last night, one of the best things I’ve made and eaten at home! Sooo delicious, rich and easy. I made it with red wine and pappardelle pasta. I will be making this often this winter. Thanks for sharing this great recipe. I am looking forward to making the soup you posted earlier as well.
Hi Gina,
I have also made it with red wine too but then I did not add the nutmeg. I bet yours was delicious because I know that you are an amazing cook! Looking forward to hearing your review on the meatball soup. Both of these recipes are long time favorites in our family.
Take Care,
Nancy
That looks amazing. Pasta is one of my favorite comfort foods!
Hello Kim,
Its a very delicious recipe that I have made for years and certainly a comfort food around our house.
Regards,
Nancy