Craving authentic Italian pasta bolognese? Try this easy recipe with a secret ingredient for a sweet and savory twist.
One of my all-time favorite comfort foods? A big, hearty bowl of pasta Bolognese! I’m always on the lookout for authentic Italian recipes that bring that warm, rustic magic right into my kitchen. If you’re anything like me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this pasta Bolognese sauce, with one secret ingredient that makes it irresistibly sweet, perfectly savory, and absolutely unforgettable!
What Is Bolognese?
Bolognese is a classic Italian meat sauce that hails from the charming city of Bologna. It’s a hearty, slow-simmered sauce made with ground meat, tomatoes, onions, and a medley of aromatic veggies, all melding together into rich, savory perfection. Unlike your typical marinara, Bolognese is thick, meaty, and just begging to be paired with wide pasta like tagliatelle so every bite captures its deep, cozy flavors.
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About This Bolognese Recipe
This pasta Bolognese recipe couldn’t be easier, and it never fails to wow! Every time I serve it or bring it along to a friend’s dinner party, someone is guaranteed to ask for the recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that turns any meal into a special occasion.
At our home in Vermont, this is our cozy winter go-to, perfect for snowy days by the fireplace. And when we’re on the Seacoast, there’s nothing better than a bowl of this hearty sauce warming us up after a day spent watching the snow fall.
Pasta Bolognese Ingredients
Everything you need for this recipe is easy to find at your local grocery store, no fancy specialty shops required!
But here’s my tip: splurge on a good-quality Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-grated kind. You’ll usually find fresh Parmesan in the cheese or deli section, and it makes all the difference for that rich, authentic flavor.
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The Secret Ingredient: Cinnamon
What makes this pasta bolognese truly unforgettable? A sprinkle of cinnamon! Just one teaspoon gives the sauce a warm, sweet-savory twist that will have you going back for seconds, and maybe even thirds. It’s a game-changer you’ll crave every time.
Bonus tip: Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers in freezer-safe bags so you’re always ready for a cozy, comforting meal on snowy days.
How to Cook This Easy Pasta Bolognese Recipe
Start by browning the hamburger, sausage, and chopped onion together over medium heat for about 6 minutes, breaking it all up as you go. This creates the rich, meaty base of your pasta bolognese.
Next, stir in the milk, red cooking wine, bouillon cubes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, bay leaves—and don’t forget the secret ingredient: cinnamon! (See the full recipe card below for exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.)
This thick, hearty bolognese clings perfectly to pasta, making every bite satisfyingly cozy. While traditional bolognese recipes are rooted in Italian tradition, it’s so fun to make it your own—like with the touch of cinnamon in this sweet and savory version.
Bon Appetit’
Easy and Authentic Pasta Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef 85%
- 1/2 lb Spicey Ground Sausage
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1/2 White or Sweet Onion Chopped
- 3 Beef Bullion Cubes
- 3/4 Cup Red Cooking Wine
- 1 28 Ounce Can Petite Diced Tomatoes
- 1 6 Ounce Can Plain Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Cinnamon Add More as Needed
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Pound Spaghetti
- Salt & Pepper To Taste
- Parmesan Cheese To Taste
- 2 tbsp Parsley For Garnish
Instructions
- 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.
Bolognese is a timeless Italian classic, beloved for its rich, hearty flavors and cozy appeal. It’s a sauce that transforms a simple bowl of pasta into a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone at the table will remember.
To make your bolognese night extra special, get inspired by one of these charming table settings—because a cozy, beautiful table makes every homemade feast even more memorable!
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