Classic Bolognese Sauce A K A Ragu Recipe

Experience the ultimate comfort food! This authentic Bolognese recipe, lovingly slow-cooked for a rich and deeply satisfying flavor, will transport you to the heart of Italy. Generations of tradition come together in this perfectly balanced ragù, ideal for serving over your favorite pasta, polenta, or even alongside crusty bread. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor developed over 8 hours of simmering.

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 490 mins

Calories 667.8 kcal

Protein 69g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Classic Bolognese Sauce A K A Ragu

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Butter
2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
Garlic
Celery Ribs
Carrot
Lean Ground Beef
2 tsp salt
1 cup dry red wine (Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon)
1/2 cup whole milk
Nutmeg
1 tbsp dried oregano
Fresh Ground Pepper
Italian Tomatoes

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How to Make Classic Bolognese Sauce A K A Ragu

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 10 minutes.
Add the ground beef and pork; cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, milk, heavy cream, bay leaves, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Serve over your favorite pasta, polenta, or enjoy with crusty bread. Buon appetito!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

44 g

Sugar

40g

Fat

81g

Carbs

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Classic Bolognese Sauce A K A Ragu?

Classic Bolognese Sauce A K A Ragu takes about 520 minutes from start to finish — roughly 30 minutes to prepare and 490 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Classic Bolognese Sauce A K A Ragu?

Classic Bolognese Sauce A K A Ragu has approximately 667.8 calories per serving, with about 69 g protein, 7 g carbohydrates and 64 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Classic Bolognese Sauce A K A Ragu?

The key ingredients for Classic Bolognese Sauce A K A Ragu are Olive Oil, Butter, Onions, Garlic, Celery Ribs, Carrot. See the full list with measurements above.