Are you a comfort food lover looking for a rich and satisfying dish to warm your belly and your heart? Look no further than a hearty, homemade Bolognese sauce! This classic Italian recipe has been passed down through generations, and its versatility knows no bounds. Whether you’re in the mood for a meaty masterpiece or a vegetarian twist, we’ve got 20 mouth-watering recipes to satisfy your cravings.
From classic beef and pork combinations to creamy chicken and lamb variations, our Bolognese sauce recipes offer something for everyone. And with ingredients like fresh herbs, spices, and rich red wine, you can be sure that every bite will be a flavor explosion. So grab your pasta of choice (we won’t judge) and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Italy and beyond, showcasing the most delicious and creative Bolognese sauce recipes out there. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these recipes are sure to become your new go-to’s for cozy nights in with family and friends.
Classic Beef Bolognese with Fresh Pappardelle
A timeless Italian classic, this hearty beef ragù is slow-cooked to perfection and served with freshly made pappardelle pasta. This recipe yields a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 12 oz fresh pappardelle pasta
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and carrot; cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, or until it has thickened slightly.
5. Cook the pappardelle pasta according to package instructions. Serve with the bolognese sauce and Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow-Cooked Pork and Beef Bolognese
This hearty pasta sauce combines tender pork and beef with rich tomato flavors, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 lb ground pork
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lb spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef and pork in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon as needed.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
3. Transfer mixture to slow cooker and add red wine, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve over cooked spaghetti and top with Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Vegetarian Lentil Bolognese with Mushrooms
This hearty and flavorful vegetarian twist on the classic Italian dish replaces ground beef with tender lentils and earthy mushrooms, making it a perfect option for a meatless meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrot, and mushrooms; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, covered, for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Serve hot over cooked pasta, with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Creamy Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine
This classic Italian dish gets a rich and creamy twist with the addition of chicken, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, onions, mushrooms, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine cooked fettuccine with the creamy bolognese sauce. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Turkey Bolognese with Penne
This recipe combines the rich flavors of bolognese sauce with the spicy kick of chipotle peppers and tender turkey, all served over penne pasta.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup red wine
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz penne pasta
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, red wine, oregano, smoked paprika, and chipotle pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the turkey is cooked through.
5. Serve the bolognese over the penne pasta and top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Rich Venison Bolognese over Polenta
A hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of venison with a creamy polenta and a savory bolognese sauce. Perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup polenta
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the polenta according to package instructions.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the venison and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine, then return the venison to the skillet.
5. Simmer the bolognese sauce for 20-25 minutes or until the venison is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the bolognese over cooked polenta, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lamb and Red Wine Bolognese with Tagliatelle
A hearty Italian-inspired dish that combines tender lamb with rich red wine and a perfect balance of flavors, served with freshly cooked tagliatelle.
Ingredients:
– 500g lamb mince
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 250g tagliatelle pasta
Instructions:
1. Cook the tagliatelle according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, cook the lamb mince over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, cooking until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve the bolognese over the cooked tagliatelle.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Quick Weeknight Bolognese with Spaghetti
Quick Weeknight Bolognese with Spaghetti
When you need a delicious dinner fast, this recipe is your solution. With just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a flavorful bolognese sauce served over spaghetti in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, while the sauce thickens.
5. Combine the cooked spaghetti and bolognese sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Authentic Italian Bolognese with Homemade Pasta
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this classic Bolognese sauce paired with freshly made pasta.
Ingredients:
For the pasta:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 large egg
– Water, as needed
– Salt
For the Bolognese sauce:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and black pepper
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Make the pasta: Combine flour and egg in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water as needed to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes, then rest for 30 minutes.
2. Roll out the pasta: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Use a pasta machine or rolling pin to roll each part into a thin sheet.
3. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 3-5 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Prepare the Bolognese sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon as needed. Add onion, garlic, and carrot; cook until the vegetables are translucent.
5. Simmer the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if needed.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Garlic and Herb Bolognese with Gnocchi
This hearty pasta dish combines tender gnocchi with a rich and flavorful bolognese sauce, infused with the aromas of garlic and herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound gnocchi
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed herbs (such as parsley, basil, oregano)
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup ground beef
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook onion and garlic until softened. Add mixed herbs and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add ground beef, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve bolognese sauce over cooked gnocchi.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Bacon Bolognese with Rigatoni
Smoky Bacon Bolognese with Rigatoni: A hearty, rich pasta dish that combines the smokiness of bacon with the comfort of a classic bolognese sauce.
White Wine and Rosemary Bolognese
A creative twist on the classic Italian sauce, this recipe combines the brightness of white wine with the earthy flavor of rosemary to elevate your pasta game. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add garlic, white wine, olive oil, and rosemary. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let sauce cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Serve over pasta of your choice, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Ultimate Cheesy Bolognese Lasagna
Rich, meaty ragù, tender lasagna noodles, and a generous layer of creamy besciamella come together to create the ultimate comfort food. This hearty, cheesy lasagna is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups besciamella sauce (see below)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion, garlic, red wine, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, combine besciamella sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Assemble lasagna by spreading meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, followed by a layer of noodles, then besciamella mixture, and finally Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with a layer of besciamella mixture on top.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Bolognese
This recipe is a low-carb twist on the classic Italian dish, using zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. The result is a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium zucchini
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Spiralize the zucchini into noodles and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
6. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with the sauce until well coated.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pot Bolognese with Fusilli
In just one pot, you can create a rich and satisfying bolognese sauce to pair with fusilli pasta. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz fusilli pasta
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the fusilli according to package instructions, then set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the red wine, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve the bolognese sauce over cooked fusilli pasta, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bolognese Stuffed Bell Peppers
A twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the rich flavors of Bolognese sauce with the sweetness of bell peppers. This hearty dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Bolognese sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup cooked pasta (such as penne or macaroni)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in Bolognese sauce and cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, topping with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Bolognese Pizza with Mozzarella and Basil
A classic Italian-style pizza that combines the rich flavors of bolognese sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup bolognese sauce (see note)
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Spread the bolognese sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Arrange the mozzarella slices on top of the sauce.
5. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the cheese.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bolognese Meatball Subs with Provolone
Experience the classic Italian-American comfort food with this mouthwatering recipe that combines tender meatballs, rich Bolognese sauce, and melted provolone cheese in a crispy sub roll.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jar marinara sauce (28 oz)
– 8-10 Italian sub rolls
– Provolone cheese, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, heat marinara sauce over medium-low heat.
4. Assemble subs by placing meatballs on the rolls, then topping with sauce and melted provolone cheese.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Bolognese-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this creative twist on traditional stuffed mushrooms. Rich Bolognese sauce and savory cheese complement the earthy flavor of portobello mushrooms in this mouthwatering recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
– 1 cup Bolognese sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together Bolognese sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the sauce mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bolognese Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potatoes
A hearty, comforting casserole that combines the flavors of Italy and England. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Bolognese sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– Milk or half-and-half (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in Bolognese sauce, frozen peas and carrots, Parmesan cheese, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Boil potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter and milk or half-and-half (if using).
7. Spread mashed potatoes over the Bolognese mixture.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 20 mouthwatering bolognese sauce recipes! From classic beef and pork combinations to vegetarian, chicken, turkey, and even lamb options, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting pasta dish, lasagna, stuffed peppers, or meatball subs, these hearty recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. With flavors ranging from smoky bacon to rich red wine, you’ll find the perfect bolognese recipe to warm up your belly and your soul.
