Bolognese Sauce (Easy)

The word “Bolognese” just means “in the style of Bologna”, and refers to a meaty pasta sauce that originated in the Italian city of Bologna, which is the capital of Emilia-Romagna. Classic Bolognese sauce recipes call for lengthy simmer times, all-day Sunday. This easy Bolognese sauce comes together in just 30 minutes, because we’ve got to get dinner on the table on Tuesday nights, too. This is a stick-to-your-ribs sauce — hearty and filling.

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil or butter
2 cups carrots, finely chopped
2 cups celery, finely chopped
2 cups onions, finely chopped
8-10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 lb ground pork
2 (25 oz) jars Marinara sauce
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
3 bay leaves

To Serve:
½ cup heavy cream
1 lb wide pasta noodles, such as pappardelle or tagliatelle
Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded

In a large Dutch oven heat olive oil over medium heat. Add in carrots along with celery and onions and sauté until they're just tender, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and ground pork and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as you stir.

Pour in the Marinara sauce along with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and bay leaves and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens. If I have time I'll let it simmer for hours.

When the Bolognese sauce has reached your desired consistency, stir in the heavy cream.

Remove from heat and serve over your favourite pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Makes 10-12 servings.

Nutritional Information:
Calories 734, Protein 38 g, Carbohydrates 65 g, Total Fat 39 g, Dietary Fiber 5 g, Cholesterol 99 mg, Sodium 281 mg, Total Sugars 4 g