Description
A rich, slow-simmered beef and pork bolognese sauce served over wide pappardelle pasta. This comforting family favorite is forgiving, freezes beautifully, and delivers deep, savory flavors perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 0.5 lbs ground pork
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (Cabernet or Merlot)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 lb pappardelle pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes to cook off alcohol.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and milk. Stir well. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and darkens.
- About 10 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pappardelle according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss well to coat. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir in butter and fresh basil. Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
The long simmer is crucial for developing deep flavors and thickening the sauce. Use good quality wine if using, or substitute with extra broth and vinegar. Save pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. This sauce tastes better the next day and freezes well for up to 3 months. Finish with butter for a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving of pasta w
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: beef bolognese, pappardelle, homemade pasta sauce, italian comfort food, family dinner, meal prep, slow cooker alternative, ground beef recipe