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A plate of spaghetti and bolognese sauce topped with parmesan and some chopped parsley.

Bolognese Sauce (Ragu Alla Bolognese)

Byron
Make the ultimate bolognese sauce with this classic Italian recipe with a twist. Make rich, velvety ragu alla bolognese sauce with a classic selection of ingredients that are simmered down with your choice of minced meat.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 43 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 53 minutes
Course dips and sauces, Main Course, meat, sauce
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 962 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pan or skillet with lid
  • 1 large pot (for the pasta)
  • Sharp kitchen knife and chopping board

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 2 celery ribs chopped
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 16 oz 450g ground beef & Pork (mixed)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 oz 25g dark chocolate
  • 5 oz 150g pancetta
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan and fresh parsley for serving
  • Choice of pasta - approx. 300g 10oz for 4 people
  • 2 cloves of garlic

Instructions
 

  • Dice the pancetta and add it to a hot pan with a splash of olive oil. Cook for around 4-5 minutes or until you see the fat reducing.
    5 oz 150g pancetta
  • Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot, and cook for around 10 minutes on a high heat. Once the vegetables soften, add the garlic and minced meat. Mix well and cook until the meat is browned (this should take around 8 minutes depending on your pan size).
    1/4 cup olive oil, 2 onions, 2 celery ribs, 2 carrots, 16 oz 450g ground beef & Pork (mixed), 2 cloves of garlic
  • Add the tomato paste, red wine, the rest of the olive oil, and season to taste. Mix well, reduce heat to low, and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
    2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 cup red wine
  • Check liquid levels and add water (or more wine) if the sauce is looking too dry. Cover, and continue to simmer on a low heat for another 45 minutes.
    1 cup water
  • For the final 20 minutes, leave uncovered and add the dark chocolate and stir through until melted. Season to taste just before serving.
    1 oz 25g dark chocolate
  • Serve with your choice of pasta and garnish with plenty of grated parmesan and some fresh parsley.
    Salt and pepper, Parmesan and fresh parsley, Choice of pasta - approx. 300g
Keyword bolognese sauce, italian pasta, Mediterranean, spaghetti, tomato, tomato sauce, vegetables