Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this authentic and flavorful North Italian Meat Sauce, commonly known as Ragu Bolognese. This slow-simmered meat sauce is made with ground beef, pancetta, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, wine, and a hint of nutmeg. Serve this hearty and comforting sauce over your favorite pasta for a truly satisfying Italian meal. It's perfect for a weekend family dinner or for entertaining guests. Prepare to be transported to the streets of Italy with every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces pancetta, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Saute until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced pancetta and ground beef to the pot. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Pour in the white wine and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and whole milk to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Season the sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, partially covered, for at least 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
- Serve the North Italian Meat Sauce (Ragu Bolognese) over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Interesting Facts
Ragu Bolognese is a specialty from the city of Bologna in Northern Italy.
The authentic recipe requires a long cooking time to develop the rich flavors.
The addition of pancetta adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
Traditionally, Ragu Bolognese is served with tagliatelle pasta, but it can also be enjoyed with other pasta shapes.