The Real Bolognese Sauce (Ragù Classico Bolognese)

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 500g beef mince (ideally a mix of beef chuck and sirloin)
• 200g pancetta or unsmoked bacon, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 400ml beef stock
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 250ml red wine
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrot, and cook for about 10 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
2. Add the pancetta or bacon, and cook for a further 5 minutes until it starts to brown.
3. Add the garlic and beef mince, then cook for 10 minutes until the beef is browned.
4. Stir in the tomato puree, cook for a minute, then pour in the beef stock, chopped tomatoes, and red wine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Leave to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 hours until the sauce has thickened and the flavours have developed.
6. Serve with spaghetti or your favourite pasta shapes, and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Verdict:

This classic Italian dish is a real crowd-pleaser and one that is easy to make too. The combination of beef, pancetta, and red wine create a deep, rich flavour, while the slow cooking makes it incredibly tender and full of taste. The secret to a great bolognese sauce is to use quality ingredients and take your time, and with this recipe, you can’t go wrong.

Serving Suggestions:

This bolognese sauce is perfect for a big family dinner or a casual Sunday afternoon lunch. Serve it with spaghetti or your favourite pasta shape, and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. You could also use it as a filling for lasagne or a topping for baked potatoes.