Proper Blokes Bolognese

Proper Blokes Bolognese

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 20-25g |
Proper Bloke's Bolognese: A Hearty Meat Sauce Recipe
Fancy a proper Italian meat sauce , mate? I was thinking about comfort food the other day. That's when it hit me! I needed to share this best meat sauce recipe , the one that reminds me of Sunday roasts and rainy days with Del Boy on the telly.
This classic meat sauce is a hug in a bowl.
This Ain't Your Nan's Watery Sauce!
Forget thin and bland. This homemade bolognese sauce is rich, packed with flavour. It's a proper Bolognese recipe , simmered for hours.
It's a blend of beef, pork, and a touch of smoky bacon – oh my gosh, the bacon makes it! This recipe is from my nonna.
This easy meat sauce recipe takes a bit of time to simmer. It's ready in around 3- 4 hours on low.
But trust me, it's worth it. It makes 6-8 servings. Perfect for a family get-together or a cozy night in.
Why This Ground Beef Sauce Rocks
Honestly, the slow cooking is key. This allows the flavors to meld together creating a deep, satisfying sauce. Perfect for impressing your mates or just treating yourself after a long week.
What makes it special? The bacon!
This authentic bolognese recipe is the real deal. Time to gather your ingredients and get cooking!
Okay, Let's Get This Bolognese Keyword Party Started, Del Boy Style! Here's What You'll Need
Ingredients & Equipment for a Proper Bloke's Bolognese
Okay, let's get this Bolognese keyword party started, Del Boy style! Making a meat sauce recipe that would make Nonna proud doesn’t need to be scary. Let's see what you will need!
Main Ingredients: Time to Get Shopping!
Right, here's the shopping list for our Bolognese recipe . We need quality ingredients; this ain't no dodgy market stall, know what I mean?
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) – Any decent brand will do.
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) – Look for a good colour. It should smell fresh.
- Ground Pork: 1/2 lb (225g) – Again, fresh is key. Avoid anything greyish.
- Smoked Bacon: 4 oz (115g) , finely diced – Back bacon or streaky, your call!
- Onion: 1 large , finely diced.
- Carrots: 2 , finely diced.
- Celery: 2 stalks , finely diced.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced.
- Dry Red Wine: 1/2 cup (120ml) – Something you’d drink. A simple Chianti is good.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can (800g) – Good quality ones make a difference.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can (400g) , undrained.
- Tomato Paste: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (60ml) , chopped.
- Parmesan cheese, for serving.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
The seasoning is vital for this Italian meat sauce . It turns ground beef sauce into a homemade bolognese sauce.
- Essential Spices: 2 bay leaves , 1 tbsp dried oregano , 1 tsp dried basil .
- Flavor Enhancers: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). I like a tiny kick!. 1 tsp granulated sugar – balances the acidity.
- Substitution Options: Fresh herbs are good! Use three times the amount if they are fresh.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need a fancy kit for this easy meat sauce recipe . A few basic tools will do.
- Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for slow cooking.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring!
- Cutting Board and Chef's Knife: For chopping.
A slow cooked meat sauce needs the right equipment. If you don't have a Dutch oven, use a thick-bottomed pot.
A proper classic meat sauce recipe is all about that long, slow simmer. You can use a large skillet or a stockpot instead.
So, here's to making the best meat sauce recipe ! It is perfect for using as pasta sauce recipe. Follow this recipe! And you will have an authentic bolognese recipe .
Proper Bloke's Bolognese: A Hearty Meat Sauce
Alright, let's get this Bolognese keyword party started, Del Boy style! Here's how to make a cracking Bolognese recipe right in your own kitchen.
Forget those bland jars. We’re talking proper, slow-cooked flavour that'll make you want to shout "Lovely jubbly!".
This Italian meat sauce isn't your average sauce. It's a rich, slow cooked meat sauce – a proper Bolognese. It's packed with flavour.
I'm talking a blend of beef and pork mince. A touch of smoky bacon, and a long, lazy simmer. Trust me, it's worth the wait.
You know? Serve this easy meat sauce recipe with your favourite pasta for the ultimate comfort food.
Prep Steps
Essential mise en place: Dice 1 large onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks. Mince 4 cloves of garlic and 4 oz of bacon.
Measure out your herbs and spices. Grab 1 lb of ground beef, and ½ lb ground pork. Open 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes and 1 (14.
5 oz) can diced tomatoes.
Time-saving organization tips: Get everything prepped before you start cooking. It'll save you from panicking later! Trust me, I've been there. Having all your ingredients ready to go is key to success.
Step-by-Step Process
Here's how to make this authentic bolognese recipe the right way:
- Brown the Meats: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and pork mince. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned.
- Render the Bacon: Add diced bacon to the pot and cook until crispy. Oh my gosh, the smell is already amazing!
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 8- 10 minutes . Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in ½ cup dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce slightly for a couple of minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, ¼ cup tomato paste, 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp granulated sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 3 hours , or up to 4 hours , stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavour of this homemade bolognese sauce .
- Adjust and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Stir in ¼ cup fresh parsley. Serve this best meat sauce recipe hot over your favourite pasta, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips
- Don't rush the simmering time: This is key to developing a deep, complex flavour. The longer it simmers, the better this ground beef sauce will be!
- Common mistake to avoid: Burning the garlic. Keep a close eye on it when sautéing the vegetables. Nobody wants burnt garlic flavour in their Bolognese.
- Make-ahead option: This sauce freezes beautifully. Make a big batch and freeze it in portions for future meals. Perfect for those nights when you can't be arsed to cook.
So there you have it – a proper meat sauce recipe that's sure to become a family favourite. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for a Proper Meat Sauce Recipe
Okay, let's get this Bolognese keyword party started, Del Boy style! This meat sauce recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience.
I'm talking about a comforting bowl of Bolognese recipe , that warms you from the inside out.
Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro
Right, so you've got this amazing Italian meat sauce . Time to show it off! First, go for a swirl of spaghetti.
Then, ladle that hearty ground beef sauce right on top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley? Classy. And a generous grating of Parmesan? Absolutely essential, innit! Serve with a side of garlic bread for mopping up every last drop.
A simple green salad lightens the richness. A nice glass of Chianti never hurts. I like to keep a bottle of wine on hand just in case it needs to be used in the homemade Bolognese sauce .
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh, Bruv!
This classic meat sauce is even better the next day. Honestly, it is. Store any leftover Bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Want to freeze it? No problem. Portion it into freezer bags or containers. It'll keep for up to 3 months.
When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then gently simmer it on the stove until heated through. If you like, you can also microwave it.
Variations: A Little Something Different
Fancy a bit of a twist? To make a spicy Bolognese sauce , add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Or, some fresh chili with the red pepper flakes.
Want a vegetarian version? Swap the mince for cooked lentils. Or, try crumbled soy mince. And if you want an extra rich authentic Bolognese recipe , stir in a dollop of cream before serving! Remember, this easy meat sauce recipe is all about experimenting.
Nutrition Basics: A Few Nitty-Gritty Bits
Each serving (around 1/8th of the total recipe) packs roughly 450-550 calories. You're getting a hefty dose of protein (30-35g).
Plus, it has a fair amount of fat (25-35g) and carbohydrates (20-25g). The vitamins and minerals depend on your ingredients, but you're getting some iron from the beef.
Remember, these are approximate values!
So, there you have it. Get in the kitchen and knock up this best meat sauce recipe . Don't be afraid to get creative! You've got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I keep leftover meat sauce recipe in the fridge? I'm always worried about food safety!
You can safely store leftover meat sauce in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it's cooled down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Think of it like this, Del Boy wouldn't risk selling dodgy gear and neither should you with your Bolognese!
Can I freeze this meat sauce recipe? I love batch cooking!
Absolutely! Meat sauce freezes brilliantly. Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just like saving a bit of your pocket money for a rainy day, you can save your sauce for when you need a quick comfort meal.
My meat sauce is a bit bland. What can I do to boost the flavour? It's like a wet weekend in Dagenham!
Don't despair! A bland sauce often needs a little extra seasoning. Try adding a pinch more salt, pepper, or a touch of red pepper flakes for a kick. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also deepen the flavour. Consider adding more fresh herbs like basil or oregano to freshen it up – the proof is in the pudding!
I'm watching my weight. Is there a healthier way to make this meat sauce recipe without sacrificing flavour?
You can definitely lighten up this meat sauce recipe without compromising on taste. Use leaner ground beef or turkey, and trim any excess fat. Bulk up the vegetables with finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini. You can also reduce the amount of oil used and increase the herbs to compensate. After all you can still be a 'Del Boy' with a healthy heart.
Can I use different types of meat in this meat sauce recipe?
Definitely! Experimenting with different meats can add exciting new dimensions to your sauce. Try adding Italian sausage for a spicy kick, or using ground lamb for a richer, more robust flavour. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. It will be like changing your classic mini for a three wheeled 'reliant robin'.
Is there anything I can add to my meat sauce to make it taste even more like a restaurant-quality bolognese sauce?
To elevate your sauce to restaurant quality, consider adding a knob of butter and a splash of milk or cream towards the end of the simmering time for extra richness. A Parmesan rind added during simmering will also impart a lovely umami flavour. These secret weapons will give your Bolognese a real depth of flavour that rivals any Italian Trattoria.
It will have everyone saying 'lovely jubbly'!