If you’ve been craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Simple Bolognese Recipe is just what you need. It’s a beautifully balanced sauce with gently sautéed aromatics, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked ground beef, all simmered into a rich, tomatoey masterpiece. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe brings classic Italian flavors to your table with ease and charm. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a fantastic Simple Bolognese Recipe, the ingredients are delightfully straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the sweetness of the aromatic vegetables to the bright burst of fresh herbs, these essentials come together to create a dish that’s anything but simple in taste.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for sautéing aromatics and infuses the sauce with richness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and tender foundation that deepens the sauce’s flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a garlicky punch that complements the beef without overpowering it.
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped: Adds a subtle earthiness and crunch that balances the texture.
- 1 carrot, finely chopped: Offers natural sweetness and bright color to enliven the sauce.
- 1 lb ground chuck beef: The hearty protein with perfect fat content for a juicy, flavorful Bolognese.
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, crushed: Provides vibrant acidity and fresh tomato flavor for a lively sauce.
- ¼ cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped: Brightens the sauce with a fresh, herbal note.
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Adds aromatic depth and classic Italian fragrance.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring harmony to all the flavors.
- ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated: Offers a sharp, salty finish when sprinkled on top.
- 12 oz pasta (such as pappardelle): A wide, flat noodle that’s ideal for catching the sauce in every bite.
How to Make Simple Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating your extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and let them cook gently until they soften and release their sweet, fragrant aroma. This step, about 8 minutes, is crucial because these aromatics form the savory backbone of your sauce.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next, stir in the finely chopped celery and carrot. These might seem like simple veggies, but they add wonderful texture and subtle sweetness that balance the rich meat. Sauté them together for another 5 minutes, allowing their flavors to mingle with the onion and garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Turn the heat up to high and add your ground chuck beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, ensuring it turns a nice brown and loses its raw pink color. This should take about 10 minutes. The browning process develops deep, meaty flavors that are essential for a classic Bolognese.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Now, stir in your crushed cherry tomatoes along with the chopped Italian parsley and fresh basil leaves. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring every now and then. This slow simmer lets the ingredients meld beautifully, and seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper towards the end ensures every layer shines.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta — pappardelle is a dreamy choice here — until it’s al dente, tender but with a slight bite. Drain it well, reserving a little pasta water if you want to loosen your sauce later.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
Finally, toss the cooked pasta straight into the skillet with your Bolognese sauce, allowing every strand to soak up that rich, savory goodness. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, adding a salty, nutty finish to your Simple Bolognese Recipe.
How to Serve Simple Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
A bit of extra flair on top can elevate your Simple Bolognese Recipe instantly. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds brightness, while an additional dusting of Pecorino Romano cheese brings that irresistible savory tang right at the end. Some people also love a tiny drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crispy garlic bread can round out the meal wonderfully. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables work beautifully to add a fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving your Simple Bolognese Recipe in individual pasta bowls, garnished with fragrant herbs and a shaving of Pecorino. Another fun idea is layering it over polenta or using the sauce as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or baked pasta dishes for a comforting twist on tradition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simple Bolognese Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to keep some for later, this sauce freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Bolognese gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While beef gives you that classic richness, turkey or chicken can make the dish lighter. Just keep in mind that these leaner meats might cook faster and benefit from a bit more seasoning to boost flavor.
Is it necessary to crush fresh cherry tomatoes?
Fresh crushed cherry tomatoes add a nice texture and brightness, but if you prefer, canned crushed tomatoes work just fine too. The key is to use quality tomatoes for that authentic taste.
What pasta types work best with Simple Bolognese Recipe?
Wide, flat noodles like pappardelle or tagliatelle are ideal because they hold onto the sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you love.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! In fact, making the sauce a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen and marry perfectly. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce. To thin it out, add a splash of pasta cooking water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Simple Bolognese Recipe that combines humble ingredients with time-honored techniques to create a deeply satisfying meal. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, feeding family or friends, or anytime you want a dish that feels like a culinary hug. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just find a new classic in your cooking repertoire!
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Simple Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A classic and comforting Simple Bolognese recipe featuring ground chuck beef simmered with fresh vegetables and herbs in a rich tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked pappardelle pasta and topped with grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground chuck beef
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, crushed
- ¼ cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
- 12 oz pasta (such as pappardelle)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until they become soft and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped celery and carrot, continuing to sauté for another 5 minutes to soften the vegetables and build flavor.
- Cook the Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the ground chuck beef to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking up any large pieces with a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink, approximately 10 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed cherry tomatoes, chopped flat-leaf parsley, and fresh basil leaves. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce gently simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta (such as pappardelle) and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta well once cooked.
- Combine & Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce ensuring even coating. Serve immediately topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil for maximum flavor and brightness.
- For richer flavor, you can substitute part of the ground beef with ground pork or veal.
- Simmering the sauce gently allows flavors to develop deeply; avoid boiling to prevent tough meat.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if needed.
- This sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated or frozen for convenience.
