How to Make Dad's Bolognese Meat Sauce - A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to my family's favorite recipe for Dad's Bolognese Meat Sauce! This hearty, flavorful sauce has been passed down through generations and is a staple in our household. Perfect for topping pasta, layering in lasagna, or spooning over polenta, this meaty tomato sauce is a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

My dad, who is of Italian descent, learned this recipe from his own father, who brought it with him when he immigrated to the United States. It's a cla...

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 7 carrots, coarsely chopped
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 4 slices ham
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 pinch dried basil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Place ground beef in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble very finely and set aside.
  • In a food processor, chop the carrots, onion and ham.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir in carrot mixture and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in cooked beef, beef broth, tomato paste, lemon zest, bay leaves, basil and nutmeg. Simmer over lowest heat, partially covered, for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Immediately before serving, stir in cream and mix well.
  • Nutrition

    469 cal.

    • Total Fat: 34g
    • Saturated Fat: 17g
    • Cholesterol: 129mg
    • Sodium: 1093mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 13g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 7g
    • Protein: 28g
    • Vitamin C: 17mg
    • Calcium: 60mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 843mg