
Bolognese Sauce
This bolognese sauce is seriously delicious and simple to make! It’s the ultimate comfort food that’ll make you feel all warm and cozy inside. The trick is to take your time and cook the veggies slowly while adding some beef stock to make it extra rich and flavorful. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family of four, and the leftovers are just as good (if not better!). You can also stash some in the freezer for an easy meal anytime.
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, grated or finely diced
- 2 stalks of celery, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 750g beef mince (or mince of choice)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 800g crushed tomatoes or one jar of passata
- 2 dry bay leaves
- 2 cups beef stock
- Salt and pepper to season
- Cooked pasta to serve
- Parmesan and chilli oil to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil on medium heat in a large, deep, heavy-based skillet. Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and full of flavour (do not rush this step).
- Increase the heat to high, add the beef mince and cook for 2 minutes until sealed, breaking it up as you go. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring for 30 seconds.
- Add the crushed tomatoes or passata, bay leaves and beef stock.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cook with the lid on for 35 minutes (see note 1).
- Once cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir through the cooked pasta and serve with freshly grated parmesan and chilli if using.
Notes
Note 1 – The longer the bolognese is cooked, the higher the intensity of flavour. Cook for up to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes and adding ½ cup of water if the sauce sticks to the base of the pan.
MAKE AHEAD AND LEFTOVERS – Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before use. Reheat in the microwave.
- Author: Nicole
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
One Response
The dread of every parent when trying a new recipe and the kids ask “Is this a different recipe?” They complained it had orange bits in it but when I asked if it was still yummy it was a big “yes!”. Phew! I was starting to sweat a bit there. Haha!
I found the recipe had a lot of liquid so I left the lid off for a while and it thickened up nicely. Another success from your recipes – thank you!
★★★★★