Craving authentic Italian pasta bolognese? Try this easy recipe with a secret ingredient for a sweet and savory twist.
One of my favorite foods ever is a good pasta bolognese! I am always on the hunt for authentic Italian cuisine and recipes. If you are like me, I promise you will love this pasta bolognese sauce recipe, with its one secret ingredient that makes this the sweetest and savory bolognese yet!
What is Bolognese?
Bolognese is a classic Italian meat sauce originating from Bologna, Italy. Traditionally made with ground meat, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic vegetables, it’s slow-cooked to develop rich flavors. Unlike typical tomato-based sauces, Bolognese is heartier and often served with wide pasta like tagliatelle to capture its savory depth.
Jump to RecipeAbout This Bolognese Recipe
This pasta bolognese recipe is so simple to make. Whenever I serve it or bring it to a friend’s house, they always ask for the recipe. It is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser for any event.
This is our go-to recipe during winter at our home in Vermont. And on cozy snow days in front of a fire in the fireplace during snow days on the Seacoast.
Pasta Bolognese Ingredients
All the ingredients are simple enough to find at any local supermarket, so no special shopping is required.
I highly recommend upgrading the parmesan cheese versus the off-the-shelf products, though. You can usually find this in your local supermarket’s cheese or deli section.
Secret Pasta Bolognese Ingredient
Cinnamon
There is one special ingredient that makes this bolognese unique. That magic ingredient is cinnamon. A simple teaspoon of cinnamon makes this bolognese recipe so sweet and savory that you will want seconds and look forward to leftovers. It’s out-of-this-world delicious!
Make a large batch and freeze the remaining bolognese in freezer lock bags for your cozy winter snow days ahead.
La Cocotte Staub Pot
To begin with, I use this La Cocotte Staub pot. Almost any pot will do. However, I do like the cast iron inside for cooking the meat.
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How to Cook Easy Pasta Bolognese Recipe
Combine the hamburg, sausage, and chopped onion and cook over medium heat for approximately 6 minutes, mincing it all together as it cooks, creating this pasta bolognese.
From here, you will add the milk, red cooking wine, bouillon cubes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and the secret ingredient, Cinnamon. See below for the complete cooking pasta bolognese instruction recipe guide!
This bolognese sauce’s thick and meaty texture clings to the pasta, creating a satisfying and comforting dish.
While the traditional Bolognese recipe has its roots in Italian culinary tradition, variations and adaptations exist worldwide. Home cooks often personalize the sauce by experimenting with different herbs, spices, and additional ingredients to suit their taste preferences, like the cinnamon we use today in this easy and authentic pasta bolognese sauce recipe.
Bon Appetit’
Easy and Authentic Pasta Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Boil water for pasta and cook pasta according to the package instructions.
- Combine the hamburg, sausage and chopped onion into the pot and cook over medium heat for approximately 6 minutes until cooked through, mincing it all together as it cooks.
- Add the milk and simmer for about 5 minutes until it evaporates.
- Add red cooking wine and beef bouillion and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add a can of petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, and the secret ingredient, cinnamon.
- Turn the stove down to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Do not cover.
- Stir occassionally.
- Taste and add more cinnamon to your liking.
- Spoon bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta and top with parmesan cheese and parsley. Enjoy!
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
In summary, Bolognese is a timeless Italian sauce celebrated for its rich flavor profile, adaptability, and ability to transform a simple bowl of pasta into a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Get inspired by one of these table settings to accompany your bolognese feast.
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