Quick & Easy Bolognese Sauce
Experience the warmth of homemade Bolognese sauce with layers of flavor and simplicity in preparation, perfect for family dinners and weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large Zwiebel (onion), finely chopped For a sweet base flavor.
- 2 cloves Knoblauchzehen (garlic), minced Adds depth.
- 2 large Karotten (carrots), diced Brings natural sweetness.
- 1 stalk Stangensellerie (celery), optional Adds flavor complexity.
Sauce Base
- 3 tablespoons Olivenöl (olive oil) Use good quality for best results.
- 500 grams Rinderhackfleisch (ground beef) Substitute with turkey or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- 2 tablespoons Tomatenmark (tomato paste) Intensifies the tomato flavor.
- 800 grams gehackte Tomaten (canned chopped tomatoes) Essential for the sauce base.
- 2 tablespoons italienische Kräuter (Italian herbs) Blend of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- 1 pinch Zucker (sugar) To balance acidity.
- to taste Salt und Pfeffer (salt and pepper) To season.
Serving
- 400 grams Spaghetti The perfect pasta to pair.
- to taste Parmesan, freshly grated Because nothing compares!
- to taste Basilikum (basil), fresh For garnish, if desired.
Instructions
Prep the Veggies
- Finely chop the onion and garlic.
- Chop the carrots and celery into small cubes.
Sauté Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and sauté until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Combine Vegetables
- Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for an additional 5 minutes until they soften.
Create the Sauce
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the canned chopped tomatoes, Italian herbs, and 150 ml (about 2/3 cup) of water.
- Let the sauce simmer on a low flame for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season to Taste
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
Cook the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
Serve it Up
- Toss the Bolognese with cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with fresh grated Parmesan and basil before serving.
Notes
Quality matters! Look for organic vegetables and high-quality olive oil. If using canned tomatoes, opt for San Marzano for the best flavor. If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more water or a splash of red wine for richness. Storage: Keep leftover sauce in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on low in a saucepan, adding a splash of water if necessary.