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Cozy Pasta Bolognese Recipe Easy Slow Simmered for Best Flavor

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A slow-simmered pasta Bolognese with rich, layered flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for cozy family meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup cottage cheese (blended smooth, optional but recommended)
  • 12 oz pasta of choice (tagliatelle or pappardelle recommended)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (to serve)
  • Fresh basil leaves or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned but not fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Push beef to the side, add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes.
  4. Pour in 1 cup whole milk, stirring frequently. Let it simmer gently until milk mostly evaporates, about 10 minutes.
  5. Add 1 cup dry red wine and let it reduce by half over medium heat, about 10 minutes. Skip if avoiding alcohol.
  6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors deepen.
  8. Blend 1/4 cup cottage cheese until smooth and stir into the sauce near the end of cooking (optional).
  9. About 10 minutes before sauce is ready, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
  10. Toss pasta with a few spoonfuls of sauce and reserved pasta water to help sauce cling. Plate, ladle extra sauce on top, sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs, and serve.

Notes

If sauce is too thick near the end, add reserved pasta water to loosen. Stir gently to prevent sticking and encourage silky texture. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cottage cheese with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Browning beef properly and slow simmering are key for rich flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta bolognese, slow simmered, cozy dinner, ground beef sauce, Italian pasta sauce, family meal, easy bolognese

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/cozy-pasta-bolognese-recipe-easy-slow-simmered-for-best-flavor/