Authentic Slow-Simmered Bolognese Sauce

A rich, traditional Italian meat ragù slow-simmered for hours with beef, pork, pancetta, soffritto, tomatoes, and wine. Perfectly concentrated and hearty for layering in lasagna or tossing with your favorite pasta dishes.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery sticks
• 1 large onion
• 2 garlic cloves (optional)
• 200 grams pancetta (optional)
• 300 grams beef mince
• 350 grams pork mince
• 140 grams concentrated tomato paste
• 690 grams diced tomatoes
• 1 can peeled tomatoes
• 1 to 2 glasses wine
• 1 glass milk (optional)
• Water (as needed)

Directions

1. Finely dice the carrots, celery, onion, and pancetta or pulse in a blender to speed it up.
2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
3. Sauté the diced vegetables and pancetta for about 10 minutes until fragrant and soft.
4. Add the garlic if using and let sweat for a minute.
5. Add the minced beef and pork, breaking them up with a spoon until lightly cooked and grey.
6. Pour in the wine, stirring until completely evaporated.
7. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for one minute to remove any metallic taste.
8. Add the canned peeled tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon, followed by diced tomatoes and water.
9. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover partially, and simmer for at least 4 hours, adding water if needed.
10. Stir in optional milk if desired and simmer for an additional 10 minutes before serving.