The Simple Bolognese Recipe is a comforting classic that brings together rich, savory flavors with fresh herbs and a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings, this dish takes minimal ingredients and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying meal. From the first bite, you’ll appreciate the balance of tender ground beef, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with a sprinkle of sharp Pecorino Romano cheese. This recipe is truly a celebration of simplicity done right, making it an instant favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Simple Bolognese Recipe plays an essential role in creating the rich flavors and satisfying texture that make this dish so beloved. The combination of fresh vegetables, quality meat, and fragrant herbs comes together effortlessly for an authentic Italian experience.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity, smooth base for sautéing and enhances the overall richness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and great foundation for the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings warmth and savory depth to every bite.
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped: Offers subtle earthiness and a slight crunch to the sauce.
- 1 carrot, finely chopped: Contributes natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 lb ground chuck beef: The hearty protein that gives the Bolognese its rich texture.
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, crushed: Brings freshness and bright acidity to balance the meat.
- ¼ cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped: Infuses the sauce with fresh, herbal notes.
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic touch classic to Italian cuisine.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor.
- ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated: Sharp, salty topping that perfectly finishes the dish.
- 12 oz pasta (such as pappardelle): Wide noodles that capture the sauce beautifully for maximum flavor in every forkful.
How to Make Simple Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cooking these until soft and fragrant, about 8 minutes, sets a flavorful base that underpins the entire sauce. This step might smell irresistible already, but patience is key to developing that deep, comforting flavor.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
To the softened onion and garlic, stir in the finely chopped celery and carrot. These vegetables add texture, sweetness, and complexity, and sautéing them for another 5 minutes lets their natural flavors mellow and complement the beef perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Turn the heat up to high and add the ground chuck beef to the skillet. Break it into smaller pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning and cook until it’s no longer pink, roughly 10 minutes. This step adds heartiness and that classic meaty richness that defines a great Bolognese sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Now, stir in the crushed cherry tomatoes along with the chopped parsley and basil. These fresh herbs brighten the sauce while the tomatoes provide body and acidity. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to deepen the flavors and let everything harmonize beautifully. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, balancing all the elements perfectly.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is finishing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente, usually according to package directions. Pappardelle or other wide noodles are ideal here because they hold up well and scoop up plenty of sauce with every bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and get ready to combine.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
Toss the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the rich Bolognese sauce, making sure every strand is coated in that luscious mixture. Plate it generously and finish with a hearty sprinkle of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese. This final touch adds a bold, salty kick that complements the tomato and meat flavors beautifully, making every forkful a complete delight.
How to Serve Simple Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Pecorino Romano is the star garnish for this Simple Bolognese Recipe, delivering a sharp, savory finish. You can also add a few extra basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil to elevate the presentation and flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Serve this with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple sauté of greens like spinach or kale make perfect, fresh companions to the hearty pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Bolognese sauce over polenta or stuffed into baked zucchinis for a gluten-free or vegetable-packed option. You can also layer it in a casserole with creamy béchamel and bake for a comforting pasta bake that changes things up while staying true to classic flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Simple Bolognese Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious second-day treat.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the Bolognese sauce separately from the pasta in freezer-friendly containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw easily in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Pasta can be warmed briefly in boiling water or gently in the microwave to bring back that perfect al dente texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this Simple Bolognese Recipe?
Yes! While ground chuck beef is traditional for its nice fat content and flavor, you can substitute ground pork, veal, or a combination of meats depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times if needed to ensure thorough cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein to mimic the texture and add umami depth. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you still get that comforting, hearty sauce.
What pasta works best with Simple Bolognese Recipe?
Wide pasta varieties like pappardelle or fettuccine are ideal because they hold the chunky sauce better than thinner noodles. However, spaghetti or rigatoni also work well if those aren’t available.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce actually benefits from sitting for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.
How do I make the sauce less acidic?
If you find the tomatoes a bit too sharp, adding a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream at the end of simmering can balance out the acidity nicely without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about mastering a Simple Bolognese Recipe that feels both authentic and approachable. It’s a dish that welcomes everyone to the table with warmth and bold flavor, and once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it. Whether for a family dinner or to impress friends, this recipe will become a beloved staple you’ll return to time and time again. So grab your ingredients, dive in, and enjoy every savory moment of this classic Italian delight!
Print
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 features a rich and flavorful meat sauce simmered with fresh herbs and vegetables, served over tender pasta. Perfect for a comforting meal that comes together with basic ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 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
For Serving
- ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
- 12 oz pasta (such as pappardelle)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped celery and carrot. Continue to sauté the mixture for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Cook the Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the ground chuck beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up any large pieces with a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink, approximately 10 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and basil. Reduce 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 is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine & Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the warm Bolognese sauce until well coated. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for a delightful finish.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine when cooking the beef.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible to enhance the aroma and taste.
- Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as pappardelle, fettuccine, or tagliatelle.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste by adding more salt or pepper as needed during the simmering stage.
