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Classic Homemade Nonna’s Sunday Bolognese Sauce

Nonnas Sunday Bolognese Sauce - featured image
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A rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce made with simple, wholesome ingredients and traditional techniques, perfect for comforting family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (or beef broth as substitute)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, crushed by hand (San Marzano if available)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Add finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook gently, stirring often, until vegetables are soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid browning.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and diced pancetta. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and pancetta starts to crisp.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and ground pork. Break up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned but not dry, about 7-8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 3-4 minutes, letting it caramelize slightly.
  6. Pour in dry white wine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to lift browned bits. Let simmer until mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes.
  7. Add crushed whole tomatoes and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low.
  8. Stir in whole milk. Simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and develops a rich texture.
  9. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Stir in chopped fresh basil and parsley just before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the soffritto to avoid bitterness. Brown meat in batches if needed to ensure proper browning. Use whole milk to tenderize meat and balance acidity. Simmer low and slow for best flavor. Stir gently and occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning at the end. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth. The sauce tastes better the next day and freezes well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bolognese, Italian sauce, slow simmer, homemade, Nonna's recipe, Sunday dinner, pasta sauce, rich flavor

Find it online: https://evabake.com/classic-homemade-nonnas-sunday-bolognese-sauce-easy-recipe-for-rich-flavor/