Ragu Bolognese

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Ragu Bolognese, a classic Italian meat sauce that’s slow-simmered to perfection. This hearty dish combines tender ground beef and pork with finely diced vegetables, creamy whole milk, vibrant crushed Italian plum tomatoes, and a splash of dry white wine for depth and balance. Cooked low and slow for hours, the result is a robust, velvety sauce ideal for pairing with pasta favorites like tagliatelle or pappardelle. Infused with aromatic bay leaf and topped with freshly grated Parmesan, this traditional recipe elevates any meal into an unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, this Ragu Bolognese is a must-try for lovers of authentic Italian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 0.5 pounds ground pork
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 28 ounces canned Italian plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 0 fresh grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 8 minutes.

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper, then pour in the milk. Stir and cook until most of the milk has evaporated, about 10 minutes.

Step 5

Add the dry white wine and cook until the wine has completely reduced, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the sauce simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 9

Serve over your favorite pasta, such as tagliatelle or pappardelle, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2405 grams (2405.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2978

Total Fat 203.20g	261%
Saturated Fat 77.30g	387%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 613mg	204%
Sodium 2382mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 94.50g	34%
Dietary Fiber 18.80g	67%
Total Sugars 60.60g
Protein 156.20g	312%

Vitamin D 136IU	678%
Calcium 769mg	59%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 4115mg	88%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.6%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 13.3%