Go Back

Rustic Bolognese

Wife with the Knife
Enjoy the comforting taste of our Rustic Bolognese sauce, a family favourite that’s perfect for any occasion. This rich and hearty sauce is made with tender meats, fragrant herbs, and savoury tomatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with warmth and pairs beautifully with spaghetti, lasagna, or your favorite pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this Bolognese sauce is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Olive oil
  • ⅔-1 cup onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup celery finely chopped
  • ½ cup carrot finely chopped
  • 5 med-large cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1-1½ pound ground beef
  • ½-1 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
  • Black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • ½-1 teaspoon baking soda see note #4
  • ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg adjust to taste
  • ⅛ - ¼ tablespoons cinnamon adjust to taste
  • 1-2 table spoons fresh chopped basil or 1-2 teaspoons of dried basil optional
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for serving
  • Pasta of your choice or fresh Homemade Pasta (See note #1)
  • Chili flakes for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
  • Once the onions are translucent, stir in the chopped celery, carrot, and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef, and season with salt, and pepper.
  • Crumble the meat with a fork or wooden spoon and cook until the beef starts to brown.
  • Add the garlic powder, grated nutmeg and cinnamon and mix well.
  • Add the white wine and simmer until it evaporates.
  • Then add the canned tomatoes with their juice and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to coat all ingredients.
  • Add the bay leaf, basil (if using) and baking soda ¼ teaspoon at a time (mix well and taste in between) until the the acidity has balanced.
  • Reduce the heat to the lowest setting so the sauce simmers slowly, (with just occasional bubbles.)
  • Cook uncovered for at 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • The sauce should have thickened at this point
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Serve the Rustic Bolognese sauce over the cooked pasta, garnished with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese & chili flakes for a little extra kick.

Notes

  • Baking Soda Trick: To balance acidity in the sauce, use ¼–½ teaspoon of baking soda for every 3½ cups of sauce. Add it ¼ teaspoon at a time, tasting and adjusting as needed. Baking soda is an effective alternative to sugar for reducing acidity in tomato-based sauces and soups.
  • Refrigerator Storage: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer Storage: Once the sauce has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
    • Don’t forget to Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
  • Thawing and Reheating: Thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
 
Tried this recipe?
  Mention @thewifewiththeknife  or tag #wifewiththeknife