Pasta Bolognese

A rich and hearty Italian pasta dish featuring a slow-simmered sauce made with three types of meat, pancetta, vegetables, and cream. This classic Bolognese sauce is served over pasta and finished with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

6 servings
1 hr 15 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cans whole tomatoes with juice or crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 ounces pancetta or bacon
  • ¼ pound ground pork
  • ¼ pound ground beef chuck
  • ¼ pound ground veal
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 whole carrot
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound small pasta
  • to taste Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    If using whole tomatoes, in blender or food processor, purée tomatoes with juice. Set aside.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    In large, heavy pot over moderate heat, heat oil until hot but not smoking. Add pancetta and sauté until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Add beef, pork, and veal and sauté, breaking up meat with back of spoon, until browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Add onion and carrot and sauté until vegetables are tender, 5 to 6 minutes.

    20 min

  3. 3.

    Stir in red wine and simmer, scraping up browned bits stuck to bottom of pan, until liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cream, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to moderately low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened and brick-red in color, approximately 30 minutes.

    35 min

  4. 4.

    In large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until almost tender. Drain well and toss with sauce. Serve with grated cheese.

    15 min

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