There’s nothing quite like a hearty and comforting bowl of Bolognese to warm you up on a chilly evening. This classic Italian meat sauce is perfect for serving over pasta or polenta, making it a versatile and delicious meal for the whole family to enjoy. With a rich tomato base, aromatic herbs, and tender ground beef, this Bolognese recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
### Bolognese
#### Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil
– Parmesan cheese, for serving
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Cooked pasta or polenta
#### Instructions:
1. **Brown the Ground Beef:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. **Cook the Aromatics:** In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. **Combine the Ingredients:** Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then lower the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer you can let it simmer, the more flavorful the sauce will be.
5. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. **Serve:** Serve the Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta or polenta. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy hot with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Bolognese is a classic recipe that never fails to impress with its robust flavors and comforting appeal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a cozy night in, this recipe is a winner. Don’t be afraid to make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal on a busy day. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade Bolognese.
