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Heartwarming 3-Hour Bolognese Sauce

bolognese sauce
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This is a rich, slow-simmered beef bolognese sauce recipe, inspired by the comforting flavors our family cherishes. You can take the time for a deep flavor base or use a quicker method for a weeknight meal. This sauce connects our Kyoto past with our new New York life.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, for deeper flavor)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it cook slowly for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. For the best flavor, simmer for 3 hours.
  7. Stir in the whole milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This helps tenderize the meat and balances the acidity.
  8. Remove the bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper to your taste.
  9. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.

Notes

  • For a weeknight version, simmer for a minimum of 1 hour after adding liquids. The flavor improves with time.
  • You can freeze this bolognese sauce for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • This sauce works wonderfully layered in lasagna or baked ziti.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/authentic-slow-simmered-bolognese-sauce/