Mike’S Bolognese Sauce

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
A rich, slow-simmered Italian meat sauce perfect for pasta
Mike's Bolognese Sauce recipe image

This hearty Bolognese sauce combines savory bacon, spicy Italian sausage, and aromatic vegetables for a deeply flavorful meal. The base of onions, celery, and garlic is softened before the meats are browned, creating a robust foundation. Tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and a splash of white wine add acidity and depth, while a beef bouillon cube enhances the umami profile. Simmered slowly, the sauce thickens into a luxurious coating for spaghetti or lasagna. It’s a comforting, homemade classic that pairs beautifully with fresh basil and parmesan cheese, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.

Mike’S Bolognese Sauce

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 939.7

Description

This hearty Bolognese sauce combines savory bacon, spicy Italian sausage, and aromatic vegetables for a deeply flavorful meal. The base of onions, celery, and garlic is softened before the meats are browned, creating a robust foundation. Tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and a splash of white wine add acidity and depth, while a beef bouillon cube enhances the umami profile. Simmered slowly, the sauce thickens into a luxurious coating for spaghetti or lasagna. It&# 226;ÂÂs a comforting, homemade classic that pairs beautifully with fresh basil and parmesan cheese, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Chop the bacon into small pieces and render it in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until crisp.
  2. Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pot, and add the olive oil if needed.
  3. Add the diced onion and chopped celery to the pot, sautéing until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the pressed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Add the hot Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and brown thoroughly.
  6. Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and mushrooms, mixing well to combine.
  8. Dissolve the beef bouillon cube in 1 cup of boiling water and add it to the sauce.
  9. Season with oregano, nutmeg, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  10. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for at least 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary before serving over pasta.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 939.7kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 46.5g72%
Saturated Fat 14.1g71%
Cholesterol 86.6mg29%
Sodium 1372.7mg58%
Total Carbohydrate 72.8g25%
Dietary Fiber 5.0g20%
Sugars 4.2g
Protein 59.2g119%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Substitutions: If you prefer a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot. You can also substitute ground beef or pork for the sausage. For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon.

Tips: For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter at the end of cooking. Fresh basil leaves added just before serving enhance the aroma. Ensure the wine has fully reduced before adding tomatoes to avoid a raw alcohol taste.

Keywords: bolognese, italian sauce, meat sauce, bacon, sausage, tomato sauce, pasta sauce, slow cooked, comfort food, homemade, spicy, dinner, family meal, beef bouillon, garlic, onion, celery, wine, oregano, nutmeg
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