Authentic Ragu alla Bolognese: A Taste of Tradition

Learn how to make authentic Ragu alla Bolognese. This traditional Italian dish is slow-cooked to perfection, combining tender meat, ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a splash of wine for a rich, flavorful sauce. Ideal for pairing with fresh pasta or tagliatelle, it’s a comforting classic that brings the heart of Italy to your table. Perfect for food lovers seeking genuine, time-honoured recipes.

Ragu Alla Bolognese

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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Calories: 661kcal
Servings: 6 People

Ingredients

  • 140g (4.9oz) - Pancetta, Diced
  • 1 - Brown (Yellow) Onion, Diced
  • 1 - Large Carrot, Diced
  • 1 - Large Rib (Stalk) of Celery, Diced
  • 500g (1.1lb) - Beef & Veal Mince (17% Fat)
  • 250g (8.8oz) - Pork Mince
  • ⅔ Cup (180ml) - Red Wine
  • 2 Tbsp (40g) - Tomato Paste (Optional)
  • 1 Bottle (700ml) - Tomato Passata (Tomato Sauce)
  • Water to Clean the Passata Jar( Roughly 1 Cup - 250ml)
  • ⅔ Cup (180ml) - Full Fat Milk
  • Salt & Pepper To Taste
  • Parmigiana Reggiano To Serve
  • Basil Leaves To Serve
  • 500g (1.1lb) - Pasta of Choice (I Used tagliatelle)

Garlic Bread

  • 1 - Large Baguette (French Stick)
  • 125g (4.4oz) - Unsalted Butter, Softened
  • 6 - Garlic Cloves, Grated
  • 1 tsp (0.5g) - Dried Parsley
  • Salt & Pepper To Taste

Method

  • Add the pancetta to a large pot over medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the fat has rendered and the pancetta is golden. Add olive oil, onion, carrot, celery and a pinch of salt. Sautè for 6-7 minutes, stirring regularly or until the soffritto has softened and become aromatic.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the beef, veal, and pork mince and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until no longer pink and the water retention has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add red wine and tomato paste and bring to a simmer. Allow the red wine to reduce by 75%. Add the tomato passata and water to rinse the jar. Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Bring the sauce to a light boil, mix well, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for a minimum of 2 hours, up to 5 hours for a deeper, richer flavour profile.
  • At this time, prepare your pasta by bringing a pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the packet instructions. Reserve some pasta water.
  • Once the ragu has been cooking for at least 2 hours, add the milk and mix well, being gentle so it doesn’t split. Check the seasoning and remove it from the heat.
  • In a pan or a bowl, add a ladle or two of ragu, the cooked pasta, a small handful of Parmigiana Reggiano, and freshly torn basil leaves. Mix well, coating the pasta in the meat sauce. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Serve in bowls and garnish with more Parmigiano Reggiano and freshly torn basil leaves. Dig in.

Garlic Bread

  • Add all the ingredients for the garlic butter in a bowl and mix well to combine. Cut slices in your French stick (Baguette), not slicing them through. Spread the garlic butter evenly in each slice and place onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven or air fryer at 200℃ -390℉ for 10-15 minutes or until golden and the garlic butter has melted. Serve the garlic bread alongside the bolognese. Dig in.
Calories 661kcalCarbohydrates 44gProtein 33gFat 37gSaturated Fat 14gPolyunsaturated Fat 3gMonounsaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 1gCholesterol 108mgSodium 347mgPotassium 1175mgFiber 5gSugar 10gVitamin A 2528IUVitamin C 18mgCalcium 101mgIron 6mg

The above nutrition guide is based on daily averages and is calculated for a single portion. These values do not include garlic bread.

Recipe Notes

Ragu Alla Bolognese Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Allow the sauce to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days.

Freezer

For more extended storage, portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Label the containers with the date and freeze them for up to 3 months.

Ragu Alla Bolognese Reheating Instructions

Reheating

Thaw frozen ragu in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until fully warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to restore its consistency.

Watch How To Make The Recipe

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