Meat and vegetables gently simmered with wine, broth, tomato sauce and milk offer a depth of savory richness that's hard to match. It's a hearty and filling meal that goes beyond a simple meat sauce.
2poundsof ground meathalf ground beef and pork is traditional
2Bay leaves
1/4teaspoonnutmeg
1 1/2cupwhole milk
24ouncesof tomato puree
1 1/2cupred or white wine
2cupsbeef broth
2tablespoonstomato paste
Instructions
Mince carrots, celery, and onion. I used my food processor to get a nice fine grind of these vegetables. You could also mince the pancetta using your food processor as well.
Add butter and olive oil to a heavy-bottomed dutch oven.
Add pancetta and cook for 5 minutes on medium.
Add vegetables and turn the temperature to medium-low. Sautee for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are cooked. You want them soft but not browned.
Add nutmeg, bay leaves and meat. Break the meat up with a spoon until it is a fine mince. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. You want the meat to cook, but not get browned.
When meat is no longer pink, add milk and cook for 10 minutes on medium-low.
Then add broth, tomato paste, tomato puree, and wine. Cook on your lowest simmer for 3-4 hours. I use a simmer plate on my stove to get a really slow simmer. Your bolognese will be done when it has the consistency of a loose chili.
Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
Bolognese freezes beautifully. In fact, if you have time, make it a day before you serve it to allow the flavors to meld even more.