My mom used to whip up a big batch of this, and it never lasted more than a few days.
As the crisp air of fall sets in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as gathering around the table with loved ones to share a hearty, homemade meal. Classic Bolognese is a timeless Italian sauce, rich and flavorful, and when combined with the finest fall vegetables and slow-cooked to perfection, it becomes an unforgettable dish. Whether it’s for a cozy Sunday dinner or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe brings warmth and joy to any occasion.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this robust and savory dish, gather the following ingredients:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tsp |
| Carrots, sliced | 2 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 2 |
| Zucchini, diced | 1/2 |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Ground pork | 1/4 lb |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Red wine | 1/2 cup |
| Crushed tomatoes (canned) | 28 ounces (1 can) |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Tomato paste | 3/4 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 2 tbsp |
| Dried basil | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Skim milk | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced carrots, chopped onion, and celery, cooking them until they begin to soften, which should take about five to seven minutes. The combination of these aromatic vegetables forms the flavorful base of your Bolognese sauce.
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2. Incorporating the Zucchini
Next, add the diced zucchini to the skillet. Continue cooking for another three to four minutes until the zucchini becomes tender. The addition of zucchini not only enhances the sauce’s nutritional value but also adds a subtle sweetness that complements the richness of the meat.
3. Browning the Meat
Once the vegetables are softened, move them to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef and ground pork to the pan. Break the meat up with a spoon and cook until it is browned all over. The combination of beef and pork provides a depth of flavor that is essential for a traditional Bolognese sauce.
4. Adding Garlic and Wine
When the meat is browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the red wine, allowing it to simmer until most of the liquid evaporates. The wine not only deglazes the pan but also infuses the sauce with a rich, complex flavor.
5. Slow-Cooking the Sauce
Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover the slow cooker and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a sauce that is incredibly rich and deeply satisfying.
6. Final Touches
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the skim milk. The milk adds a subtle creaminess to the sauce, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. Just before serving, remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
