Description
Classic Beef Bolognese with Pappardelle
A rich and hearty Bolognese sauce served over wide, velvety pappardelle pasta for the ultimate Italian comfort dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup red wine
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340g) pappardelle or any wide pasta
Salt for boiling water
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce Base:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Meat:
Add ground beef (or beef and pork mix) to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking up any clumps. Season with salt and pepper.
Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Simmer the Sauce:
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor). Stir occasionally.
Finish with Milk:
Stir in milk or cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking to give the sauce a creamy richness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine and Serve:
Toss the pasta with the sauce or serve the sauce ladled generously over the pasta. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
Enjoy!
This authentic Bolognese pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine and crusty bread. Buon appetito!
