Dinner Recipes

Bolognese Sauce

January 9, 2019 /

This is absolutely hands down, my favorite comfort food. I honestly can’t think of anything better! This sauce is as easy to do for a weeknight dinner but also a show stopper to host a dinner party. It’s one of those meals that begs for conversation at the dinner table (just a heads up….it’s everyone complimenting on how amazing this is!!) I love pairing this meal with a nice salad and lots of French bread served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, oh and lets not forget about a good red wine!! Ok, I know I am going a bit too far, but seriously give this one a try…you’ll love it:)

This sauce works best over linguini (or your favorite pasta.) I have also read that in Italy, this sauce was also served over mashed potatoes. I have never tried it over mashed potatoes but why not?? Italian version of a Irish shepherds pie??

I also want to give you a heads up on the bacon step, honestly cooking off the bacon is the best way to go. With that being said, I’m going to be transparent and let you know that I have used the already cooked “real” bacon bits you get from the grocery store and I have used deli ham chopped finely in this sauce when times have been tough, or really short on time. Please don’t judge :/

Ingredients

This dish will serve 6-8 people ( Even if your cooking for 2-4 people, this sauce is great to freeze and serve another time)

  • 1# of linguini (cook to package instructions)
  • 2 oz of olive oil
  • 4 strips of cooked bacon
  • 1# of ground beef
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves crushed
  • 2 celery stalks finely chopped
  • 1 carrot grated
  • 1 (28oz) can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5oz) diced tomatoes (I like fire roasted if you can find it)
  • 3/4 tsp of dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp of nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp of sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your carrot you may not need the sugar)
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • Fresh ground pepper to taste
  • 4 medium size basil leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
  • 3/4 cup + of shredded Asiago (or parmesan) Shred more for topping pasta when serving
  • 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream

Fry bacon over medium heat until crisp, set aside. Next, cook off your ground beef on medium heat in a skillet until browned (drain beef and set aside) Wipe down skillet and pour 2 oz. of olive oil into skillet on medium heat and add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sautee until celery is soft. Add ground beef, bacon, tomatoes, oregano, nutmeg, salt, pepper, parsley, and basil. Simmer 30 minutes. (While sauce is simmering start your pasta) Add cream and cheese to sauce and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Serve sauce over pasta and top with shredded cheese.

XOXOXOX Jessi