Description
This Simple Bolognese recipe combines ground chuck beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered in crushed cherry tomatoes to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Perfectly paired with mezzi rigatoni or pappardelle pasta, this hearty Italian classic is easy to prepare and ideal for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped
- 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
- 1 pound ground chuck beef
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley
- 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta (such as mezzi rigatoni or pappardelle)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Cook: Add the chopped celery and carrot to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Increase the heat to high, add the ground chuck beef to the skillet, and sauté until browned and cooked through, approximately 10 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs, then Simmer: Stir in the crushed cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and chopped basil. Reduce heat to medium-low, letting the sauce simmer until it thickens, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Pasta and Combine: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with the prepared Bolognese sauce to combine.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine when cooking the ground beef.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese pairs wonderfully as a topping.
- The sauce can be prepared a day ahead to enhance flavors.
