Pasta Alla Bolognese Recipe
Pasta alla Bolognese is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that brings the warmth of Italy right to your plate. This classic Italian recipe is full of rich flavors, with a meaty sauce that perfectly complements al dente pasta.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, Pasta alla Bolognese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s why it’s a must-try and how you can make it in the comfort of your own home.
Why You’ll Love Pasta alla Bolognese
- Pasta alla Bolognese is incredibly versatile.
- While it’s most commonly paired with spaghetti or tagliatelle, you can switch up the pasta based on your preference or what you have on hand (e.g., fettuccine, rigatoni).
- The Bolognese sauce is made with a combination of ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, creating a savory and rich flavor.
- The sauce is simmered slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly, making every bite indulgent.
- The dish is highly customizable to suit your taste, with options to adjust seasoning (e.g., adding red wine for richness or extra garlic for a bolder flavor).
Steps to Make Pasta alla Bolognese
Prepare the Ingredients:
The key to a great Bolognese sauce is fresh ingredients. Start by chopping your onions, carrots, and celery finely. These three vegetables form the base of the sauce and are known as the “soffritto” in Italian cuisine. Mince your garlic and set it aside. Have your ground beef ready, along with canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and any seasonings you like.
Cook the Soffritto:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil and add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them until they soften and become aromatic, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This mixture forms the flavorful foundation of your sauce.
Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it’s browned. This step is important because it adds depth to the flavor of the sauce. Be sure to break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
Once the meat is browned, add your canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and a bit of red wine if you’re using it. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook for about an hour. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it becomes. Stir occasionally and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt, pepper, and any herbs as necessary.
Cook the Pasta:
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving a bit of the pasta water. This starchy water can help bind the sauce to the pasta later on.
Combine and Serve:
Once the sauce has reached a rich, velvety consistency, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix to combine. If needed, add a little pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the noodles. Serve your Pasta alla Bolognese with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color.
Variations
- Meat Options: You can swap out the ground beef for other types of meat, like ground pork, turkey, or even a mixture of meats for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, use lentils or mushrooms as a substitute for meat. The earthy flavors of these ingredients mimic the richness of the traditional sauce.
- Extra Veggies: If you love vegetables, feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach to your sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Pasta Variations: While spaghetti is the go-to choice for Pasta alla Bolognese, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like pappardelle, fusilli, or penne. The shape of the pasta can affect how well the sauce clings to the noodles.
How to Serve Pasta alla Bolognese
Pasta alla Bolognese is a complete meal on its own, but you can always add a few sides to make the meal extra special:
- Garlic Bread: Serve your pasta with a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing complement to the rich Bolognese sauce.
- Wine Pairing: Pair your Pasta alla Bolognese with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese. The acidity of the wine helps balance out the richness of the dish.
Pasta alla Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 carrot peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine optional
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb pasta spaghetti, tagliatelle, fettuccine, or rigatoni
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the alcohol evaporates. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Season the sauce: Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering will allow the flavors to meld together and deepen.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the Bolognese sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, top with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired), and enjoy!
