If you’ve been searching for a comforting classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Simple Bolognese Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It captures all the cozy, hearty flavors of Italian home-cooking without any fuss or overcomplication. With just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients coming together to create a rich, savory sauce, this dish is proof that good things happen when you cook with love and simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Simple Bolognese Recipe plays a starring role, building layers of flavor and texture that make this sauce unforgettable. Using simple staples like fresh vegetables, quality ground beef, and fragrant herbs, you’ll create a wildly satisfying dish with ease.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the aromatics beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness that forms the flavor base.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a punch of fragrant warmth that wakes up the sauce.
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped: Offers a gentle crunch and fresh, earthy undertones.
- 1 carrot, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce.
- 1 lb ground chuck beef: Your hearty protein that creates a rich, meaty body for the sauce.
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, crushed: Delivers fresh, bright acidity and luscious tomato flavor.
- ¼ cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with an herby, fresh finish.
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Adds a fragrant, sweet aroma that’s pure Italian sunshine.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated: Provides a salty, sharp kick that perfectly crowns the dish.
- 12 oz pasta (such as pappardelle): Thick ribbons that soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
How to Make Simple Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently until soft and fragrant, about 8 minutes. This step is crucial because it releases wonderful flavors that lay the foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next, toss in the finely chopped celery and carrot. These humble veggies are your secret to a perfectly balanced sauce, lending a subtle crunch and a bit of natural sweetness. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes to let the flavors deepen.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Turn the heat up to high and add the ground chuck beef to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up into small pieces so every bite is tender and meaty. You want the beef just browned through, which will take around 10 minutes. This step transforms your sauce from simple veggies into a hearty masterpiece.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Now it’s time to introduce the crushed cherry tomatoes, chopped Italian parsley, and basil leaves. Stir everything well, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the sauce bubble slowly for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep everything happy. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – this is when it all comes together.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your chosen pasta, like pappardelle, until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta but keep a little bit of the cooking water just in case you want to loosen up the sauce later. Freshly cooked pasta is essential for the ultimate Simple Bolognese Recipe experience.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
Finally, toss the drained pasta with your luscious Bolognese sauce right in the skillet or a large serving bowl. Make sure every strand is coated with that rich meaty sauce. Pile it high on plates and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese. It’s time to dig in and savor every bite!
How to Serve Simple Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
A bit of fresh basil or extra grated Pecorino Romano on top elevates this dish from delicious to memorable. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. These simple touches make your meal feel special and polished.
Side Dishes
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the Bolognese sauce. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is also a must-have to soak up those last flavorful bits. Keep the sides light and fresh to balance the heartiness of your pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering your sauce and pasta in individual gratin dishes, then bake with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust. Alternatively, serve it over creamy polenta or roasted vegetables instead of traditional pasta for a gluten-free option. There’s so much room to customize while keeping the comforting essence intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Simple Bolognese Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all those rich flavors. It’s a great make-ahead meal because the sauce only gets better after sitting overnight.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Bolognese later, freeze the sauce (without pasta) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it gently in the fridge overnight before reheating. This makes effortless weeknight dinners a breeze whenever you need them.
Reheating
Reheat your Bolognese sauce slowly on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring regularly. Add a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. If reheating with pasta, warm the noodles separately and combine just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this Simple Bolognese Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or a mixture of meats can create delicious variations. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so the meat is fully cooked and tender.
Is it okay to use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?
Yes, canned crushed tomatoes work well and give the sauce a classic, rich tomato flavor. Just go for good-quality canned tomatoes for the best result.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for lentils or finely chopped mushrooms to mimic the texture and add depth. The flavor will be different but still hearty and satisfying.
What pasta shapes go best with Simple Bolognese Recipe?
Wide noodles like pappardelle, fettuccine, or tagliatelle are traditional and perfect because their broad surface holds the sauce wonderfully, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.
How long can I let the Bolognese sauce simmer?
While 30 minutes is perfect for this Simple Bolognese Recipe, if you have more time, simmering up to an hour can deepen the flavors even further. Just keep an eye on it and add liquid if it gets too thick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making a Simple Bolognese Recipe that feels both comforting and elegant without needing a dozen complicated steps or ingredients. It’s a dish that welcomes everyone to the table, full of warmth and hearty goodness that never goes out of style. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make it your own little culinary tradition!
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Simple Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Simple Bolognese recipe is a classic Italian meat sauce made with ground beef, fresh vegetables, herbs, and cherry tomatoes. Simmered to develop rich flavors, it pairs perfectly with pappardelle or your favorite pasta. A hearty, satisfying dish ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
Meat and Sauce
- 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
Other
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for sautéing)
- ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
- 12 oz pasta (such as pappardelle)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 8 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped celery and carrot. Continue sautéing the mixture for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Cook the Beef: Increase the heat to high. Add the ground chuck beef to the skillet and cook, stirring and breaking up any large pieces, until the meat is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and basil. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 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 until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine & Serve: Toss the drained pasta with the Bolognese sauce until well coated. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine before simmering.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a beef-pork mix for variation.
- Ensure the pasta is well drained before mixing to avoid a watered-down sauce.
