Classic Bolognese Recipe
I served this with a short meaty noodle but a long noodle would be delicious as well!
Ingredients
- 3 Tbs. olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 lbs. lean ground veal (you can use
- chicken or beef as well)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 28 oz can of Roma tomatoes, I like San
- Marzano variety, pureed
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, optional
- Chili peppers, optional
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil and add onions, sauté until translucent.
- 2
Add ground veal, garlic, parsley, and salt, stirring constantly until meat is browned and meat juices are reduced.
- 3
Add wine and reduce, about 3 minutes.
- 4
While wine is reducing, in a blender puree tomatoes. Color will appear to be light or pinkish, this will change once cooked.
- 5
Add tomatoes to meat along with wholes bay leaves and bring to high simmer, and continue cooking at this temperature for about 8 minutes, then reduce to simmer for about 1.5 hour and desired thickness is achieved. Taste for seasoning Serves 4-6 Notes: Best served with a spiral or short meaty noodle and eat with a spoon! This recipe doubles and triples well, but remember to add double the cooking time! Make Ahead Tip: This recipe GETS BETTER as it sits in the freezer, so make a big batch, eat some that day and freeze the rest. You need 2-3 ladles-full per person - mark how many people it will feed on the container! Can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Tips & Storage
- How to Store
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
- Can I Freeze This?
- Most main dishes freeze well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Meal Prep Tip
- Double the recipe and freeze half for a future weeknight dinner. It saves time and ensures you always have a homemade meal ready.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Classic Bolognese?
This Classic Bolognese recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 14 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.
Can I make this classic bolognese ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.