Looking for the perfect Bolognese recipe that’s rich, hearty, and bursting with traditional Italian flavor? This simple homemade Bolognese sauce is a family favorite — made with lean ground beef, sweet tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs that simmer into a delicious, comforting sauce.
Whether you’re tossing it with spaghetti, layering it in a lasagna, or spooning it over baked potatoes, this sauce is a go-to staple you’ll come back to again and again.
What Makes This Bolognese Special?
Unlike quick pasta sauces, this Bolognese gets its depth of flavor from a slow simmer — just 45 minutes on the stove transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of dried or fresh herbs gives it a versatile flavor, and a little sugar (or grated carrot) softens the acidity of the tomatoes naturally.
It’s freezer-friendly, meal-prep approved, and budget-friendly too. Ideal for busy weeknights or slow weekend cooking sessions.
Key Ingredients
- Lean ground beef – Rich in protein with less fat
- Whole & diced tomatoes – A mix for the best texture
- Onion & garlic – The base of any great sauce
- Herbs – Basil, oregano, and parsley (fresh or dried)
- Sugar or carrot – To balance the acidity
Storage Tips
This sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container, and up to 1 month in the freezer. Make a double batch and save time later!
Serving Suggestions
- Over your favorite pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, tagliatelle)
- In a lasagna or baked ziti
- As a sauce for stuffed bell peppers
- Or with crusty bread for dipping!
The Recipe
Bolognese Sauce (Ground Meat Sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 500 g lean ground beef
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried parsley or 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 2 tsp dried basil or ½ bunch fresh basil chopped
- 2 tsp dried oregano or ½ bunch fresh oregano chopped
- 800 g whole Italian tomatoes, drained 2 cans
- 400 ml diced tomatoes can
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
👨🍳 Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pan over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and salt. Cook for 3–5 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a fork.
- Remove the meat with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes. If the beef was very lean, add 1 tsp of oil.
- Stir in parsley, basil, and oregano. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Return beef to the pan. Add the whole tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and sugar.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Notes
Notes
- Sweetness Tip: Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Alternatively, add 125 g finely chopped carrots with the onions.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for 3–5 days in the fridge or up to 1 month in the freezer.
Nutrition
What’s Your Twist?
Do you sneak in veggies like carrots, celery, or bell peppers? Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of chili flakes? Share your variation in the comments — we love hearing how others make it their own!