Name: Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 500g ground beef and pork blend; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 carrot, finely chopped; 1 celery stalk, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 150ml red wine; 400g canned crushed tomatoes; 100ml milk or cream; 2 bay leaves; Fresh herbs (such as basil and parsley), chopped, to taste; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 400g tagliatelle or your favorite wide ribbon pasta (e.g., fettuccine or pappardelle)

If you’re craving an authentic Italian comfort meal, look no further than Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian—a rich, hearty sauce brimming with savory flavors that hug your taste buds and warm your soul. This beloved dish combines tender pasta with a slow-simmered meat sauce that’s as satisfying as a home-cooked hug. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe brings the timeless magic of Italy right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and comforting: The meaty sauce and tender pasta combine for a filling, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Authentic flavors: Traditional Italian ingredients create a genuine taste that transports you straight to Bologna.
Simple ingredients: Using pantry staples means you can make this dish without hunting for exotic items.
Perfect for leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Customizable: It adapts effortlessly to your dietary preferences and ingredient availability.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian lies in its beautiful simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the rich meatiness to the fresh herbs and the perfectly cooked pasta. Together, they create a harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish shine.

Ground beef and pork blend: Combining two meats adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Onion, carrot, and celery: The soffritto trio is essential for building a flavorful sauce foundation.
Garlic: Adds warmth and a hint of spice without overwhelming.
Canned crushed tomatoes: Provides a balanced acidity and juicy body to the sauce.
Red wine: Adds complexity and rounds out the meaty flavors beautifully.
Milk or cream: Softens the tomato acid and enriches the sauce with a velvety touch.
Olive oil: For sautéing and a subtle fruity undertone.
Bay leaves and fresh herbs: Infuse the sauce with classic Italian aromas.
Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all other flavors.
Tagliatelle or your favorite pasta: Wide ribbons like tagliatelle or fettuccine hold the sauce beautifully.

Variations

One of the best things about Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to adjust for dietary needs or sneak in extra veggies, these variations make it simple and delicious.

Vegetarian Bolognese: Swap the meat for lentils and mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based twist.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili for a subtle heat boost.
Extra veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase nutrition and color.
White Bolognese: Use chicken or turkey and white wine for a lighter but still flavorful sauce.
Gluten-free pasta: Pair with your favorite gluten-free noodles so everyone can enjoy this classic dish.

Classic Italian Pasta Bolognese Full of Rich Flavor

How to Make Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian

Step 1: Prepare the soffritto

Finely chop onion, carrot, and celery, then gently sauté in olive oil over medium heat until softened and fragrant, setting the flavor base for your sauce.

Step 2: Brown the meat

Add ground beef and pork to the softened vegetables, cooking until nicely browned with no pink left, which deepens the meaty richness of the sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze with red wine

Pour red wine into the pan, stirring and scraping any browned bits off the bottom; this step adds complex flavor and depth.

Step 4: Add tomatoes and herbs

Stir in crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, then bring to a gentle simmer—the heart of this classic sauce begins here.

Step 5: Simmer and enrich

Cook the sauce low and slow for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, then add milk or cream toward the end to soften acidity and create a luscious finish.

Step 6: Cook the pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your tagliatelle or favorite pasta to al dente in salted boiling water, then drain well and toss with the sauce right before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian

Brown meat properly: Browning creates flavor, so avoid crowding the pan to get a nice caramelized crust on the meat.
Low and slow simmer: Patience is key; a longer cooking time develops a richer, deeper sauce.
Use high-quality canned tomatoes: They make all the difference in creating a fresh tomato flavor.
Don’t skip the milk: A small splash balances acidity and smooths the sauce perfectly.
Save some pasta water: Adding a splash when tossing can help the sauce cling to the noodles beautifully.
Season gradually: Adjust salt and pepper toward the end to avoid over-seasoning.

How to Serve Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian

Garnishes

Finish the dish with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley, and a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the flavors and add a vibrant touch.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a basket of crusty Italian bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering your Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian with béchamel sauce for a rustic lasagna, or stuff it inside bell peppers for a fun and flavorful twist on classic presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer the sauce and pasta to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the flavors meld even further.

Freezing

Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian freezes beautifully; store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally; add a splash of water or stock if the sauce thickens too much to restore its original luscious texture.

FAQs

What pasta pairs best with Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian?

Wider noodles like tagliatelle, pappardelle, or fettuccine work best as they capture the thick, meaty sauce better than thinner spaghetti strands.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the meat with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian Bolognese that keeps the heartiness and flavor.

Is it necessary to use red wine?

While red wine adds wonderful depth, you can substitute with beef broth or extra tomato juice if you prefer to avoid alcohol without sacrificing flavor.

How long should I simmer the sauce?

For the richest flavor, simmer gently for at least 90 minutes, but if you have time, 2–3 hours helps develop even more depth and tenderness.

Can I prepare Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian in advance?

Yes, it’s even better the next day! Making it a day ahead allows the flavors to marry, making your meal more delicious and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian is more than just a meal; it’s a warm invitation to enjoy simple, timeless Italian cooking that fills your kitchen with love and your plate with deliciousness. Give yourself the joy of creating this classic comfort food, and watch it become a favorite in your home as well. Buon appetito!

Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Contains meat; vegetarian option available

Print Recipe

Description

Pasta Bolognese Classic Italian is a rich, hearty, and comforting Italian dish featuring tender pasta paired with a slow-simmered meat sauce made from a blend of ground beef and pork, fresh soffritto vegetables, red wine, and tomatoes, enriched with milk or cream. This timeless recipe uses simple pantry staples to deliver authentic flavors that warm the soul and satisfy any appetite, perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Instructions

Prepare the soffritto: Finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Gently sauté them in olive oil over medium heat until softened and fragrant, creating the flavorful base for the sauce.
Brown the meat: Add the ground beef and pork blend to the softened vegetables. Cook until the meat is nicely browned with no pink remaining, enhancing the richness of the sauce.
Deglaze with red wine: Pour the red wine into the pan, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This step adds complex flavor and depth to the sauce.
Add tomatoes and herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start the sauce’s slow cooking process.
Simmer and enrich: Cook the sauce gently over low heat for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Toward the end, add the milk or cream to soften the acidity of the tomatoes and create a velvety finish.
Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the tagliatelle or your preferred pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and toss the pasta with the sauce just before serving.

Notes

Brown meat properly without overcrowding the pan to develop rich flavor and a caramelized crust.
Simmer the sauce low and slow for the richest depth of flavor; up to 2–3 hours is ideal.
Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the freshest tomato taste.
Don’t skip adding milk or cream; it balances acidity and smooths the sauce.
Save some pasta cooking water and add a splash when tossing to help sauce cling to noodles.
Season gradually, adjusting salt and pepper near the end to avoid over-seasoning.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Italian