Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by finely chopping the onion, carrots, and celery. This trio is known as "soffritto" and serves as the flavor base for the sauce.
Cook the Soffritto
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Brown the Meat
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Deglaze the Pot
If using red wine, pour it into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. If you're not using wine, add a little beef broth at this stage.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let the sauce simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor will be. If desired, let it stand for 30 minutes after cooking to meld the flavors even more.
Finish the Sauce
Stir in the milk or cream to add richness to the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
Cook the Pasta
About 10 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or tagliatelle according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
Combine and Serve
Toss the drained pasta with the Bolognese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for some heat.