We believe that Bolognese sauce is a culinary gem. This classic Italian sauce, known for its savory meaty flavor and robust tomato base, has the power to transform a simple pasta dish into a gastronomic masterpiece. The best part? Bolognese is surprisingly easy to cook, especially when using a combination of ground sausage, meatballs, and shredded beef, along with canned whole tomatoes, garlic, onions, and shredded carrot.
A Melting Pot of Flavors:
What makes Bolognese sauce truly exceptional is its ability to blend a variety of meats into a harmonious symphony of flavors. By combining ground sausage, meatballs, and shredded beef, each component brings its unique characteristics to the sauce. The ground sausage infuses a rich and savory note, the meatballs add succulence and texture, while the shredded beef imparts a depth of flavor that lingers. This medley of meats creates a sauce that is complex, satisfying, and undeniably delicious.
The Essential Trio: Tomatoes, Onions, and Garlic
Bolognese sauce finds its foundation in a trio of staple ingredients: canned whole tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The sweetness of the tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the aromatics from the onions, and the pungency of the garlic create a flavor profile that is both robust and comforting. As the sauce simmers, the tomatoes break down, releasing their natural juices and melding with the onions and garlic to form a harmonious base. This combination not only imparts richness but also adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Carrots: The Secret Ingredient:
While often overlooked, the addition of shredded carrots is what sets this recipe apart. The carrots subtly enhance the sauce by adding a touch of natural sweetness and balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. As the cook, the carrots soften and integrate with the other ingredients, imparting a subtle flavor the complements the meat and adds a deep orange color to the sauce. This humble ingredient elevates the sauce to new heights, making it a standout component of the dish.
Conclusion:
Bolognese sauce is a true culinary masterpiece that makes your mouth water from anticipation of rich and complex flavors. By combining your choice of any combination of meats with whole canned tomatoes, shredded carrots, onions, and garlic, you will create a sauce that is way more delicious than anything you can buy at a store. And whether you choose to toss it with pasta, use it as a filling for lasagna, or use it as pizza sauce, your meals will always be delicious if this sauce is in it.
4
servings45
minutes3
hours300
kcalIngredients
1 lb. Italian Sausage, no casings
4 tbsp Olive Oil
1 Onion, chopped
1 large Carrot, shredded
3 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and peper
1 tbsp dried Thyme
3 24 oz. cans Whole Peeled tomatoes
1 12 oz. can tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
Directions
- Heat a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked sausage from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, warm up the olive oil for 20 seconds. Add the chopped onion and shredded carrot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots are tender. Scrape any brown bits of sausage that stuck to the pan, this is all flavor. Add the garlic, thyme, salt & pepper, and cook for an additional minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add the whole peeled tomatoes and tomato sauce. Before this starts to get too hot, use one hand to squeeze the whole tomatoes, and one had to hold lid of the pot to shield yourself from tomato splatter.
Once the sauce’s texture is to your liking, add the tomato paste. With about 1/2 cup of warm water, rinse the tomato cans of that little bit of valuable tomato flavor and add it right to the sauce. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. - Once the pot is simmering, add the sausage, reduce the heat, add the lid, and cook for at least 30 minutes. Once the Bolognese has simmered to your desired consistency, cook your pasta, and get ready to eat!