If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with rich, slow-cooked flavor, you’re about to meet your new favorite: The BEST Bolognese Sauce. This sauce is thick, meaty, deeply savory, and coats every strand of pasta in luxurious flavor. It transforms humble ingredients into a slow-simmered masterpiece.

The magic lies in the layering—a base of sautéed onions, carrots, and garlic, followed by rich tomato, ground beef, a splash of wine, and a long, slow cook that brings everything together. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to gather around the table, pour a glass of wine, and stay awhile.

Why You’ll Love This Bolognese Sauce

This isn’t your average weeknight spaghetti sauce. This is a slow-cooked hug in a bowl. You’ll love this Bolognese because it:

Has incredible depth of flavor from a few simple ingredients
Uses pantry staples and everyday produce
Freezes beautifully for future meals
Is a showstopper for date nights, dinner parties, or cozy Sundays
Clings to pasta like a dream

What Kind of Meat Should I Use in Bolognese Sauce?

Traditional Bolognese calls for a mix of meats—often beef and pork—but for ease and richness, this recipe uses just ground beef. If you want to elevate the dish even further, try a 50/50 blend of ground beef and pork or veal. Make sure the meat is not too lean; a bit of fat brings flavor and tenderness during that long simmer.

Ingredients for the BEST Bolognese Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building that slow-cooked, deeply satisfying flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground beef: The heart of the sauce. Go for 80/20 for the best texture.
Yellow onion: Adds a savory sweetness that forms the aromatic base.
Carrots: Bring a hint of sweetness and earthy depth.
Garlic: Essential for aromatic flavor.
Tomato paste: Adds rich umami and a deeper tomato profile.
Crushed tomatoes: The saucy component that simmers into luscious richness.
Red wine: Enhances flavor complexity and adds a bit of acidity.
Whole milk: Softens the acidity of the tomatoes and adds silkiness.
Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
Salt & pepper: To season at each stage.
Fresh parsley: For brightness and a pop of color at the end.

How To Make the BEST Bolognese Sauce

Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and carrots and cook for 5-7 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add Tomato Richness

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to caramelize. Then pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer until reduced by half.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Add crushed tomatoes and stir well. Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for at least 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. Just before finishing, stir in whole milk to mellow the acidity and create a silky texture.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Serve over your favorite pasta—tagliatelle, pappardelle, or spaghetti work best.

Serving and Storing This Bolognese Sauce

This recipe serves 6 generous portions. It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a family with leftovers to spare.

Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes like a dream—portion it into freezer bags or containers and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

What to Serve With Bolognese Sauce?

Fresh Pasta or Tagliatelle

The silky texture of fresh pasta makes a perfect match for this hearty sauce.

Garlic Bread

To mop up every drop of that rich, meaty sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy salad adds freshness to balance the richness of the Bolognese.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight char and crunch work beautifully with the savory meat sauce.

Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Sweet, cheesy, and the perfect veggie side. Try these carrots with your next pasta night.

Classic Red Wine

A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese enhances the sauce’s depth.

Crusty Bread

Because you know you’ll want to soak up every last bit.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Bolognese, you’ll want to check out these equally comforting, flavor-packed dishes:

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a creamy twist on a pasta night.
Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce with velvety richness and bold flavor.
Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni for a decadent blend of beef and cheese.
Cowboy Casserole if you’re craving something meaty, cheesy, and baked to bubbly perfection.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole to add some veggies without sacrificing comfort.