How Can I Make a Great Homemade Bolognese Sauce Quickly Without Sacrificing Quality or Taste?

Making a great homemade bolognese sauce quickly while maintaining quality and taste can be achieved with a few smart choices. Here’s a streamlined recipe you can follow:

Quick Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork 2 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium carrot, finely chopped 1 celery stalk, finely chopped 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree 2 tbsp tomato paste 1/2 cup red wine (optional) 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried basil Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup whole milk (optional for richness) Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional) Pasta of your choice

Instructions:

Prep the Ingredients

Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery; sauté them for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Brown the Meat

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).

Deglaze with Wine

If using, pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. If you have more time, simmering longer will deepen the flavor, but 15-20 minutes is sufficient for a quick sauce.

Finish with Milk

If using, stir in the milk at the end of cooking to add creaminess and balance acidity.

Serve

Toss the sauce with cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for Quick Preparation:

Use a Food Processor: For quicker chopping, use a food processor for the vegetables. Pre-cooked Meat: If you’re really short on time, consider using pre-cooked ground meat or leftovers. Pasta Cooking: Cook your pasta while the sauce simmers to save time.

Conclusion:

This quick bolognese sauce balances speed with flavor, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without the long cooking times typical of traditional recipes. Enjoy your cooking!