Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to recreating this beloved dish. Here’s what you’ll need to bring a piece of my family tradition to your table:
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 pound spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Bring the heart of Italian cuisine to your kitchen with these simple steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced carrot and celery, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the flavors truly develop, so patience is key.
- As the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain well.
- Stir the milk into the sauce, allowing it to cook for another 5 minutes. This step adds a creamy richness that Mama Lou insisted was her secret touch.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the bolognese sauce, ensuring each strand is well coated.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
