Simple Bolognese
November 3, 2026
: 8
: 20 min
: 30 min
: 1 hr
: Easy
This simple Bolognese is a comforting meat sauce built on a rich mirepoix—the classic French trio of finely diced onion, carrots, and celery—combined with ground beef and crushed tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 carrots, peeled and minced
- 2 celery stalks, minced
- 2 Vidalia onions, minced
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef - I prefer 90% lean
- 2 28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 8-10 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Directions
- Step 1 In a large Dutch oven or pot heat oil over medium heat.
- Step 2 Add onion, carrots, and celery.
- Step 3 Stir vegetables together.
- Step 4 Add garlic. Sauté vegetables for about 10 minutes or until soften.
- Step 5 Add the ground beef. Break meat up so it is not in big lumps.
- Step 6 Mix together with vegetables until well incorporated.
- Step 7 Add the tomatoes, basil and salt and pepper.
- Step 8 Stir.
- Step 9 Cook over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes or until sauce thickens.
- Step 10 Add grated cheese to sauce and mix.
- Step 11 Serve over pasta.
