I’m going to let you in on a secret. I make a mean pasta dish. I grew up with the influence of my Grandmother who will cook up the most insane Sunday Sauce on the planet one week and traditional Puerto Rican food the next. Sunday dinner was a cherished time for family to gather and enjoy each other’s company so this Bolognese is my homage to my Mamá and the culinary gifts she bestowed upon me. This dish features a really delicate meat ragú made from a combination of ground pork and veal. I pair it with my self-proclaimed homemade marinara and simmer slowly for peak tenderness. A finish of butter, cream, and Parmigiano Reggiano make this dish next level.
If you’re a fan of homemade pasta dishes, then you’re in for a treat. This Bolognese recipe isn’t just any pasta sauce—it’s a decadent, soul-soothing masterpiece. With a rich blend of pork, veal, and a velvety homemade sauce enriched with cream and butter, this dish is a true knock-out. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into crafting the most delicious Bolognese you’ll ever have!
The Secret to a Knock-Out Bolognese
To create a truly memorable Bolognese, it’s all about using the best ingredients and giving them time to meld together into an inviting, soul-soothing sauce. Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:
Homemade Pasta: Freshly made pasta brings an unbeatable texture and flavor to your dish, perfectly complementing the rich sauce. Don’t be intimidated… homemade pasta is as simple as having 100g of 00 flour and one egg per serving. I’ll be posting another recipe on how to make pasta at home without stress, fear, or anxiety.
High-Quality Meats: A blend of ground pork and veal provides a depth of flavor that’s both tender and savory. I buy mine from my local meat guys, NY Butcher, here in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte.
Decadent Homemade Sauce: Combining cream, butter, and Parmigiano Reggiano creates a luxurious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. But it’s the homemade marinara sawce (yep, I said it… Jersey Girl after all) that takes it to the next level.
Slow Cooking Process: Allowing the sauce to simmer slowly enhances the flavors, resulting in a complex, inviting dish.
The Most Delicious Bolognese
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1-2 tsp Salt Plus more to taste
- 1 lb Ground Pork
- 1 lb Ground Veal If you can't find, use ground beef
- 4 cups Marinara Sauce Follow my easy recipe
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano
Instructions
- Brown the Meats: Incorporate the ground pork and veal to a hot dutch oven or quality braising pot with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and season with salt, cooking until browned. (I love my Ruffoni copper braising pot and use it every time for this dish.)Remember, brown equals flavor with meat, so don’t be afraid to turn up the head and let those flavors develop.
- Add that Marinara Sauce: Add your sauce until it covers just above the browned meat. Let that simmer on low for 30 minutes.
- Finish with Butter and Cheese: Stir in butter and Parmigiano Reggiano for a velvety finish, then adjust seasoning as needed.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Pasta
Homemade pasta is easier to make than you might think and adds a deliciously fresh flavor that enhances this Bolognese sauce. Follow these simple tips:
Use High-Quality Flour: Opt for 00 flour or all-purpose flour for the best texture.
Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
Cut to Desired Thickness: Whether you prefer fettuccine or tagliatelle, ensure consistent thickness for even cooking.
Cook Until Al Dente: Fresh pasta cooks faster than dried, so watch it carefully to maintain that perfect al dente bite.
Why This Bolognese Will Become Your Go-To
This Bolognese sauce is unlike any you’ve had before—rich, creamy, and utterly comforting. The combination of pork, veal, homemade pasta, and a lush sauce creates a dish that is both indulgent and soul-soothing. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Bolognese will impress anyone who loves a good homemade pasta dish.
Ready to give this a go? Tell me about how you’ve made this your own and be sure to follow along for more of my Culinary delights… especially my own homemade marinara and easy homemade pasta dough recipe. Would love to hear from you in the comments so holler at me!
