The BEST Bolognese Sauce Recipe loaded with so much flavor! Ground beef sauteed with vegetables in a thick sauce, the ultimate hearty dinner recipe.

Bolognese sauce in a deep skillet with a spoon in the sauce.

We absolutely love sauces that can accompany pasta, like our Alfredo Sauce and this Bolognese sauce. Both are great for meal prepping.

What is bolognese sauce?

Bolognese sauce is different from the classic spaghetti sauce. This is the best bolognese sauce recipe that is loaded with meat, carrots, onions, celery, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes mixed with pasta sauce. The added vegetables add so much flavor to the sauce! While classic spaghetti sauce is tomatoes with onion and seasonings.

Serve this sauce over cooked pasta for a great weeknight dinner.

A spoonful of bolognese sauce topped with fresh green in a black spoon.

How to make bolonese sauce recipe-

This traditionial bolognese sauce is so simple to make.

  • PREP VEGGIES- Finely chop the onion and celery and cube the pepper and carrot. Tip- If you don’t like tomato chunks, chop the tomatoes but be sure to keep the juices.
  • SAUTE VEGETABLES– In a deep skillet or a Dutch oven, saute the onion. Add the chopped veggies and saute until fully cooked and tender.
  • MEAT-Add in the ground beef and brown.
  • BROTH– Add the seasonings and add broth and simmer until broth almost evaporates.
  • SAUCE– Pour in the pasta sauce and bring to a boil then add the heavy whipping cream. Top with fresh greens.
  • SERVE– Serve over a bed of pasta and ENJOY!

Chef’s TIP: As the sauce is simmering, cook pasta per instructions so that everything is ready at the same time.

Step by step collage of how to make homemade bolognese sauce recipe.

What pasta can i use?

The classic pasta that goes with bolognese sauce is tagliatelle pasta. You can also use any other pasta such as pappardelle, fettuccine, rigatoni or penne pasta.

Can bolognese sauce be frozen?

This sauce is PERFECT for freezing, it may also be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days!

  • To FREEZE- Place in an airtight container or freezer bag and will last in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight.
  • To REHEAT- Reheat on the stovetop until reheated, mixing occasionally.
Bolognese sauce topped with chopped greens in a deep skillet.

Prep the bolognese sauce and enjoy it through the week for meal planning.

Other italian dishes:

BEST Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Author: Valentina
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5 from 11 votes
This easy recipe truly is the BEST Bolognese Sauce recipe. Loaded with so many vegetables, ground beef with vegetables and a hearty sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp oil (canola or olive oil)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 celery rib, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely cubed
  • 1/2 red pepper, finely cubed
  • 14 oz can diced tomato
  • 5 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground paprika
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 24 oz marinara (pasta sauce)

Instructions

  • In a deep skillet, heat the oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and until tender.
  • Add in the celery, red pepper, carrot, garlic and diced tomatoes. Saute the vegetables until tender, 5-7 minutes.
  • Then, add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking up as needed.
  • Season with italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, pepper and paprika. Pour in the beef broth and allow to simmer until the broth is almost evaporated, about 20 minutes.
  • Add in the pasta sauce and bring to a boil. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring to a soft boil. Top with fresh chopped greens.
  • Serve over pasta and enjoy.

Nutrition

321kcal Calories14g Carbs16g Protein23g Fat8g Saturated Fat64mg Cholesterol1200mg Sodium816mg Potassium3g Fiber8g Sugar2782IU Vitamin A29mg Vitamin C73mg Calcium4mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
BEST Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 321 Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Fat 23g35%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Cholesterol 64mg21%
Sodium 1200mg52%
Potassium 816mg23%
Carbohydrates 14g5%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 2782IU56%
Vitamin C 29mg35%
Calcium 73mg7%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)