Description
A rich, deeply flavorful authentic Italian beef Bolognese sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, slow-simmered to perfection for a velvety texture that clings to pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 fat ratio)
- 28-ounce can whole peel San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (such as Chianti or Sangiovese)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 10–12 fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. Prepare the crushed tomatoes and broth.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sweat slowly for 10-15 minutes until soft and translucent, not brown.
- Add garlic and tomato paste in the last 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Increase heat to medium. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.
- Pour in red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
- Add crushed San Marzano tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle bubble.
- Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes, until thickened.
- Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor. The sauce tastes better the next day as flavors meld. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered longer. Pair with tagliatelle, pappardelle, or rigatoni.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Italian, Bolognese, Beef Sauce, San Marzano Tomatoes, Pasta Sauce, Slow Cooked, Comfort Food, Make-Ahead