Description
This hearty Italian Bolognese sauce is a rich, savory meat sauce made with lean ground beef, sweet carrots, and a base of classic pomodoro sauce. Perfect for pairing with pasta, layering in lasagna, or freezing for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
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2 cups pomodoro sauce (or basic tomato sauce: olive oil, garlic, crushed tomatoes, onion, basil)
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9 oz lean ground beef
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1 cup grated carrot
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1 tbsp olive oil (if not already in the pomodoro sauce)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: ½ cup diced onion, 1 clove garlic minced, ½ cup dry white wine or milk
Instructions
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Cook the Beef
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In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink.
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Add Carrots and (Optional) Aromatics
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Stir in grated carrots (and diced onion/garlic if using). Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Deglaze (Optional)
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If using wine or milk, pour it in now and simmer until most of the liquid evaporates.
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Add Pomodoro Sauce
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Stir in the tomato sauce and mix well. Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
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Season and Serve
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over pasta, in lasagna, or on toasted bread.
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Notes
Make it richer: Add a splash of milk or cream at the end for extra richness.
Classic touch: Traditional Bolognese includes soffritto (onion, carrot, celery) and simmers low and slow.
Storage: Keeps well refrigerated for 4–5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: bolognese, meat sauce, beef ragu, pasta sauce