Bolognese is a tomato-based meat sauce, made with garlic, onion, celery, carrot, and Italian seasonings, and often finds itself as a popular substitute for the traditional dish of Spaghetti and Meatballs. Better yet, it’s a whole lot easier to make, especially after a long day at work when you’re already dragging your feet. Rich, satisfying, and comforting, this dish can be served on top of long pasta and makes perfect dipping for your favorite garlic bread!
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 rib celery, finely diced
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound ground pork
• 1 ¼ cups red wine (or beef broth)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 28 ounces whole tomatoes, with juice
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• pappardelle, tagliatelle, or other long pasta for serving
Directions:
1. Cook onion in oil over medium heat until it starts to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened – an additional 5 minutes.
2. Add beef and pork. Brown until no pink remains. Drain fat. Add wine and simmer until evaporated, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, whole tomatoes with juice, and bay leaf. Break tomatoes up with a spoon. Cover and simmer 30 minutes or until thickened. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
4. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 ½ cups of pasta water.
5. Toss pasta with sauce, adding pasta water to thin out if needed. Serve hot with long pasta.
After a long day, it can be tempting to order take-out for dinner. Instead of settling, the team at Oxford at the Ranch Apartments in Waller, Texas would like to suggest this delicious and nutritious alternative!