Discover the best Bolognese recipes – from classic meat-based sauces to innovative plant-powered twists, each recipe in this collection is a testament to the rich and versatile nature of Bolognese. Think hearty lentil and mushroom renditions, vibrant veggie-packed alternatives, and of course, the timeless classic of ground meat simmered to absolute perfection. Each recipe celebrates the essence of Bolognese in its own unique way, promising simplicity and a symphony of flavours, inviting us to slow down and savour each bite whether it’s through traditional methods passed down through generations or modern twists that infuse new life into this beloved dish.
A collection of the best bolognese recipes
Whether you’re a devout meat-lover or embrace a plant-based lifestyle, this collection offers something for everyone. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with the best Bolognese recipes, where tradition meets innovation in the most delicious of ways.
Tagliatelle al Ragù with Veal
Tagliatelle al Ragù, also known as Classic Bolognese, epitomises the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. This renowned dish, characterised by its long, slow cooking process, demands patience and dedication to achieve its rich flavours. It consists of tender veal simmered slowly with aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs, creating a savoury ragù sauce. This sauce is then served over tagliatelle pasta, a flat ribbon pasta that allows the sauce to cling to every strand, ensuring a delightful bite in every forkful. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that embodies the essence of Italian culinary tradition. Variations of the recipe may include small amounts of milk to add richness and creaminess to the sauce. Whether or not to add milk often depends on personal preference and regional traditions.
Vegetable Bolognese Sauce – Veggie-Packed Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Dive into a healthier twist on the beloved classic with this Vegetable Bolognese Sauce recipe. Packed with a medley of hidden veggies, it’s the perfect way to sneak in some extra nutrition for the whole family. Using a food processor, transform ordinary vegetables into a flavourful “mince,” adding depth and texture to every bite. With ingredients like smoked bacon, onions, celery, carrots, peppers, and sweet potatoes, this dish boasts a symphony of flavours. Simmered with minced beef, garlic, white wine, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic herbs, it’s a wholesome meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Serve over your favourite pasta, topped with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan for a wholesome and delicious meal suitable for the whole family.
Bolognese with Lentils and Salsiccia
Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with this mouthwatering Bolognese with Lentils and Salsiccia! It’s a culinary masterpiece that boasts layers upon layers of flavour, texture, and umami magic. The addition of mildly spicy Italian sausage brings a richness to the dish, perfectly complementing the hearty lentils. This combination creates a pasta Bolognese that is not only incredibly satisfying but also bursting with deliciousness. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian looking for a flavourful twist, this dish is sure to become a favourite on your dinner table.
Vegetarian Lentil Bolognese
This Vegetarian Lentil Bolognese recipe is a savoury and hearty delight that even meat lovers will adore. Plus, skip the cheese, and it transforms into a vegan-friendly dish! Packed with French green Puy lentils and a medley of aromatic vegetables, including onions, garlic, carrots, peppers, and celery, this sauce bursts with flavour. Simmered with herbs, red wine, nut/seed milk, and organic chopped tomatoes, it’s a symphony of taste and texture. Serve generously over whole grain spaghetti, garnished with grated Parmesan and chili flakes for an extra kick if desired. It’s a wholesome Italian-inspired meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Mushroom Bolognese
Indulge in a delectable and healthier rendition of the Italian classic with this Mushroom Bolognese. Beyond the customary vegetables like onion, celery, and carrots, a blend of cremini and shiitake mushrooms takes center stage, infusing the sauce with a rich, red wine and tomato-infused goodness. Slow-cooked to perfection, this sauce allows the simple ingredients to meld together, resulting in a depth of flavour that is both robust and satisfying. Just before serving, a sprinkle of fresh parsley and basil adds a burst of flavour and freshness, elevating this dish to a whole new level of culinary delight.
Vegan Bolognese Sauce (with Roasted Cauliflower and Walnuts)
Here’s a hearty vegan bolognese that even meat lovers will enjoy. This vegan twist on the classic dish features a combination of roasted walnuts and cauliflower—no lentils or soy products here! This innovative blend creates a rich, “meaty” sauce that’s entirely meat-free. Just like its traditional counterpart, this vegan ragù is simmered in a flavourful tomato sauce with onions, celery, carrots, and spices.
Vegan Bolognese Sauce (with Lentils, Sunflower Seeds and Mushrooms)
In this plant-based twist on a timeless classic, protein-rich green lentils, toasted sunflower seeds, and hearty mushrooms come together to create a flavourful and satisfying “meaty” sauce, sans the meat. This soy-free vegan ragù is a testament to simplicity and richness, packed with umami goodness and nutritious benefits. Just like the original, this vegan bolognese sauce features onions, tomatoes, and spices, capturing the comforting flavours of traditional bolognese comfort food.
Ways to Revive Leftovers from these Bolognese recipes
With a number of meat-based or vegetarian Bolognese recipes at your fingertips and potential leftovers to repurpose, the culinary possibilities are endless! From classic spaghetti Bolognese to inventive stuffed peppers and hearty lasagna, there’s no shortage of ways to savour your extra sauce. So, next time you’re cooking up a pot of Bolognese, why not make a little extra? Leftover Bolognese sauce is a versatile ingredient that lends itself to a variety of mouthwatering creations. Here are some options on how to use of the sauce from one of these Bolognese recipes:
Spaghetti Bolognese: A timeless favourite, simply reheat the sauce and serve it over a bed of cooked spaghetti for a comforting meal.
Bolognese Lasagna: Layer the leftover sauce between lasagna noodles and cheese to craft a satisfying and indulgent lasagna dish.
Stuffed Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with reheated Bolognese sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until tender and bubbly.
Bolognese Pizza: Transform your pizza night with Bolognese sauce as a flavourful topping, paired with cheese, veggies, and herbs for a delightful twist.
Bolognese Stuffed Zucchini: Hollow out halved zucchinis, fill with Bolognese sauce, add a sprinkle of cheese, and bake until the zucchini is tender and the filling is heated through.
Spaghetti Bolognese Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 225 g bacon or pancetta, chopped (preferably sustainably sourced)
- 1 kg ground beef (preferably sustainably sourced)
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 x 400 g cans organic plum tomatoes in juice (see tips below)
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cup dry red wine, divided (375 ml)
- 5 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
- 5 teaspoons dried basil, divided
- 1 tablespoon sea salt, or more to taste
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 cup water, plus more to thin, if desired (250 ml)
Method
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In a large saucepan or Dutch Oven, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, reserving the fat. Set aside the bacon. Add the ground beef to the saucepan, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes, gently mashing them with the back of a wooden spoon. Stir in the tomato paste, reserved bacon, one cup (250 ml) of red wine, and 4 teaspoons each of oregano and basil, along with salt, pepper, and water.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Taste the sauce after an hour of cooking and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle in the remaining 1 teaspoon each of oregano and basil and add half a cup (125 ml) of red wine. If desired, you can also add a splash of water to thin the sauce slightly. Serve over your favourite pasta and enjoy!
Notes
- I like to switch out one can of the plum tomatoes for a can of baby roma tomatoes (Italian datterini tomatoes from Mutti) as they have fleshy texture and add a little extra sweetness to the sauce.
- This big batch bolognese sauce is ideal for freezing. Once it's cooled completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers, label with the date and contents, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave, then gently reheat on the stovetop until warmed through. Serve over pasta for a quick and flavourful meal!
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