Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the ground beef to the same skillet and cook over medium heat until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up any clumps.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
6. Stir in the cooked bacon and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve the Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 27g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Sugar: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Red wine can be substituted with beef broth or vegetable broth.
- Dried basil and oregano can be substituted with fresh herbs.
Variations:
- Add chopped carrots and celery to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use pancetta instead of bacon for a more traditional Bolognese sauce.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a wooden spoon to break up the ground beef and prevent clumps.
- Cook the sauce over low heat for a longer period of time for a richer flavor.
- Freeze any leftover sauce for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Storage Instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over a bed of spaghetti or linguine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more beef broth or red wine to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a longer period of time to reduce and thicken it.
Food Safety Advice:
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food History:
- Bolognese sauce originated in Bologna, Italy and is traditionally made with ground beef, pancetta, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and red wine.
Flavor Profiles:
- Savory, meaty, tomatoey, slightly spicy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Bolognese sauce with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian meal.
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Region: Italian