Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe

If you are craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that truly celebrates the flavors of Italy, you simply must try this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe. It’s a dish that combines rich, slow-simmered meat sauce with perfectly al dente pasta to create a harmony of tastes and textures that feels both comforting and indulgent. The magic lies in its depth—the robust tomato, tender ground meats, aromatic soffritto, and a splash of red wine all come together to make an unforgettable Italian classic right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe sing. From the wholesome veggies that form the aromatic base, to the blend of ground meats that provide richness, every element counts.

• 250g ground beef: Offers hearty flavor and a tender texture when cooked slowly.
• 250g ground pork: Adds fat and juiciness, balancing the lean beef beautifully.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Builds sweetness and depth as part of the soffritto.
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped: Infuses subtle natural sweetness and bright color.
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped: Contributes an earthy aroma that complements the other veggies.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a pungent kick and layers the flavor complexity.
• 400g canned plum tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing tang and body.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato richness and thickens the sauce.
• 150ml dry red wine: Adds acidity and a rich, robust undertone.
• 100ml milk or cream: Softens acidity and lends a luscious creaminess.
• 1 tsp dried or fresh basil: Infuses an aromatic, sweet herbal note.
• 1 tsp dried or fresh oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly bitter balance.
• 2 bay leaves: Give subtle depth and a faintly floral fragrance.
• Salt, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• Black pepper, to taste: Adds warmth and gentle heat.
• Olive oil, for sautéing: A quality extra virgin olive oil enriches the dish’s foundation.
• 400g pasta (tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti): Your choice of pasta helps carry the sauce perfectly.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve: A salty, nutty garnish that crowns the final dish.

How to Make Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Soffritto

Start by finely chopping onion, carrot, and celery. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and gently sauté these vegetables until soft and translucent. This soffritto is the aromatic heart of your Bolognese, releasing sweet and savory flavors that form the foundation for the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef and pork to the soffritto and cook over medium heat. Break the meat up as it browns evenly, ensuring it develops a rich color. This step is key to building the deep meaty flavor that makes this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe so comforting and satisfying.

Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in the dry red wine and stir, scraping any browned bits off the pan bottom. This not only prevents burning but adds a luscious, robust acidity that brightens and balances the meat’s richness.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

Stir in the canned plum tomatoes and tomato paste thoroughly. This mixture will thicken as it cooks, developing that traditional Bolognese tomato flavor with a perfect tang and sweetness.

Step 5: Simmer Gently

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the sauce cook uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally. The slow simmer allows all components to meld beautifully, creating a luscious and integrated sauce with lingering depth.

Step 6: Finish with Milk and Seasonings

Add the milk or cream to soften the acidity and enrich the texture. Season your sauce with salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, and bay leaves. Let it simmer another 15 minutes so the flavors can harmonize perfectly.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta and Combine

While the sauce finishes, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and save a small cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss the pasta into the Bolognese sauce, mixing until every strand or ribbon is coated in that rich, meaty goodness.

How to Serve Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe

Garnishes

Serve hot with heaps of freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled right on top. For an extra touch, add torn fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These simple additions amplify the dish’s aroma, freshness, and flavor balance.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables complements the richness of the Bolognese perfectly. A crusty loaf of Italian bread is also a wonderful companion, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe in a rustic shallow bowl to showcase the texture of the sauce. For a modern twist, try layering the pasta and sauce in individual ramekins, topped with Parmesan, then broil briefly for a bubbly golden crust. It’s an effortless way to impress guests and add variety to your presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the sauce cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

This Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, allowing the sauce to regain its rich texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water or milk if it seems too thick. If reheating pasta with the sauce, warm together briefly to keep the texture perfect without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use only one type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While combining beef and pork creates a richer flavor and texture, you can use all beef or all pork if preferred. Just adjust the fat content with a little olive oil if needed to keep the sauce moist and tender.

Why do you add milk or cream to the sauce?

The addition of milk or cream helps mellow the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a velvety richness to the sauce, making it smoother and more luxurious on the palate. It is a traditional step that elevates the Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe beyond a simple tomato meat sauce.

What pasta shapes work best with Bolognese?

Long, flat noodles like tagliatelle or pappardelle, as well as classic spaghetti, are ideal choices because their shape holds the chunky sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful and balanced.

Is it necessary to simmer the sauce for 2 hours?

Yes! The slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender. Rushing this step will result in a less developed sauce. Patience in this stage is rewarded with authentic depth and complexity.

How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s too watery?

If your sauce feels too thin, remove the lid and simmer it gently to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, stirring in a little more tomato paste can help achieve the perfect consistency for your Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Recipe enough for anyone who loves authentic, satisfying dishes that bring a touch of Italy right to your dining table. Once you make it, you’ll understand why this slow-cooked, flavorful sauce paired with pasta has become such a timeless favorite. So grab your chopping board, open a bottle of red wine, and get ready to create something truly special and delicious!

Print