Bolognese sauce is a hearty, slow-simmered meat sauce rooted in Northern Italy, particularly the city of Bologna. Unlike lighter tomato sauces, this version is rich and deeply savory, combining ground beef and Italian sausage with vegetables, herbs, wine, and tomatoes. This handwritten variation leans into a classic American-Italian interpretation, incorporating mushrooms and olives for added depth and texture. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a thick, comforting sauce perfect for pasta or layered dishes. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with aroma and rewards patience with bold, satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lb ground chuck
- ½ lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce (1 lb jars, with mushrooms if available)
- 1 cup bell pepper (chopped, about ½ large pepper)
- 1 cup celery (chopped, about 2 stalks)
- 2 cups onions (chopped, about 1 large onion)
- ½ cup fresh parsley (or 3 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp Tabasco sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 6 cloves garlic crushed)
- 1 tbsp Italian herb seasoning
- 1 tbsp seasoned pepper
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp chervil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated )
- ½ cup red wine
- 8 oz mushrooms (1 can, stems & pieces)
- 4 oz chopped black olives (1 can)
- 2 cans tomato sauce
- ½ can water
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Cook ground chuck and Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned
- Drain excess fat
Step 2: Add Base Sauce
- Stir in spaghetti sauce
Step 3: Add Vegetables
- Add bell pepper, celery, and onions
- Cook until slightly softened
Step 4: Add Flavorings
- Mix in parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and garlic
Step 5: Season the Sauce
- Add Italian seasoning, seasoned pepper, basil, oregano, chervil, and sugar
Step 6: Add Cheese and Wine
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and red wine
Step 7: Add Tomato Base
- Pour in tomato sauce and water
- Mix thoroughly
Step 8: Simmer Slowly
- Reduce heat to low
- Simmer uncovered or partially covered for 4 hours, stirring occasionally
Step 9: Add Final Ingredients
- Add mushrooms and olives during the last 30 minutes of cooking
Step 10: Final Taste and Serve
- Adjust seasoning if needed
- Serve hot over pasta
Tips
- Use ground pork instead of sausage for a milder flavor
- Add a splash of cream at the end for richness
- Substitute fresh tomatoes for canned sauce in summer
- Simmer longer for deeper flavor
- Add carrots for natural sweetness
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried when available
- Make ahead, flavor improves the next day
- Freeze in portions for easy meals
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan
- Pair with wide pasta like tagliatelle
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 28gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3.5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!