16 Best Bolognese Recipes for an Incredible Italian Feast
FEBRUARY 22, 2023
PASTA MEAT SAUCE
BEST
Craving a classic Italian dinner? Bolognese is a must-have for a true Italian-style feast. There’s something about a plate of Bolognese that takes us to the streets of Italy.
With the perfect balance of herbs and spices, this hearty dish is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Besides, who can resist a plate of pasta topped with a rich and flavorful meaty sauce?
We’ve rounded up the top 16 best Bolognese recipes to make your Italian feast extraordinary. From classic recipes to modern twists, these recipes will have your tastebuds thanking you. So fire up the stove and get ready to savor a plate of Italian perfection.
A Simple Palate
Lentil Bolognese with Pappardelle Pasta
This lentil bolognese is a delicious spin on a classic "meat sauce". It's super filling and loaded with so many hearty vegetables!
1
393
40 min
TOTAL TIME
280
CALORIES
$1.17
PER SERVING
View Recipe
GoodToKnow
Spaghetti Bolognese
A traditional spaghetti Bolognese recipe with homemade Bolognese sauce and tender beef, making this a family favourite. Time to ditch the readymade sauce!
4,006
112
32
50 min
TOTAL TIME
632
CALORIES
$2.81
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Go Usto
Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
When it comes to family comfort food favourites, it's hard to beat spag bol. For our deliciously simple version of the classic, you'll caramelise onion and carrot, before adding British beef mince and tomato. Serve up your richly flavoured ragù with spaghetti and plenty of grated cheese. Bolognese b...
2
35 min
TOTAL TIME
564
CALORIES
$2.56
PER SERVING
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Food Nouveau
Ragù Bolognese: Authentic Italian Bolognese Sauce
This authentic Bolognese Sauce is meat-centric and completely different from the bright red, tomato-based North American version of the sauce: it's creamy, aromatic, and surprisingly delicate in flavor.
58
487
67
3 hr 30 min
TOTAL TIME
287
CALORIES
$2.41
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Once Upon A Chef
Pasta Bolognese
Fresh fettuccine pasta in a richly-flavored meat sauce, this pasta Bolognese is a family favorite.
116
407
2 hr 30 min
TOTAL TIME
1179
CALORIES
$5.68
PER SERVING
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The Movement Menu
Quick and Easy Instant Pot Bolognese
This quick and easy Instant Pot bolognese recipe is flavorful and the perfect accompaniment to any meal. I love eating it with eggs, on gluten free pasta or on a bed of zucchini noodles. The recipe is gluten free, dairy free, paleo, and Whole30.
3
160
45 min
TOTAL TIME
528
CALORIES
$2.42
PER SERVING
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Featured Recipe
Cooklist AI
Hearty Slow Cooker Bolognese
This Hearty Slow Cooker Bolognese is a comforting Italian classic with deep flavors, featuring lean ground beef, pancetta, a medley of minced vegetables, tomatoes, and a touch of cream. Letting it cook slowly in the crock pot ensures a rich and satisfying sauce that is sure to please!
3
6 hr 30 min
TOTAL TIME
399
CALORIES
$2.03
PER SERVING
Ingredients
13 INGREDIENTS
10 SERVINGS
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
9 STEPS
1
In a large deep saute pan, sauté chopped pancetta on low heat until the fat melts, about 4-5 minutes.
2
Add olive oil, minced onions, minced celery, and minced carrots to the pan. Cook on medium-low heat until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3
Increase the heat to medium-high; add lean ground beef, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté until the beef is browned.
4
Drain the fat from the pan, then add white wine; cook until it reduces down, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Transfer the cooked ingredients to the crock pot.
6
Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir, cover, and set slow cooker to LOW for 6 hours.
7
After 6 hours, discard the bay leaves, adjust salt and black pepper to taste, then add heavy cream and chopped fresh parsley; stir well.
8
Serve the Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash. Makes about 10 cups.
9
Leftovers can be frozen for future meals. To reheat, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator, then reheat it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
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The Cozy Cook
Spagetti Bolognese
Traditional spaghetti Bolognese is easy to make has a perfect balance of flavors. You'll love this classic Italian meat sauce!
6
29,591
17
1 hr 10 min
TOTAL TIME
664
CALORIES
$2.19
PER SERVING
View Recipe
The Modern Proper
Easy Bolognese
Hearty and comforting, this meaty, easy bolognese sauce recipe takes less time to make than it does to disappear into hungry tummies.
47
6,193
150
55 min
TOTAL TIME
867
CALORIES
$3.47
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Salt and Lavender
Easy 20 Minute Turkey Bolognese
This easy 20 minute turkey bolognese is a light and tasty ground turkey pasta dish that also makes great leftovers!
285
5
20 min
TOTAL TIME
198
CALORIES
$1.17
PER SERVING
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The Paleo Running Momma
Spaghetti Squash Bolognese {Paleo, Whole30, Low FODMAP}
This easy spaghetti squash bolognese is great for healthy weeknight dinners with a flavorful meat sauce and perfectly roasted “al dente” spaghetti squash! It’s dairy-free, Whole30 compliant, paleo, gluten free and Low FODMAP too. Perfect to prep ahead of time and the leftovers are delicious!
89
8,495
204
30 min
TOTAL TIME
477
CALORIES
$3.20
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Bon Appétit
Summer Bolognese
Think of this weeknight-friendly pasta recipe as a lighter take on the classic Italian ragù that features cherry tomatoes, a red chile for some heat, and tons of fresh basil. It will also take you under an hour to make!
22
1,773
141
905
CALORIES
$5.72
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Cooking Classy
Bolognese
An Italian beef and tomato based sauce that is simmered low and very slow until rich concentrated flavors have developed and the meat is perfectly tender. It's one of the ultimate pasta upgrades!
7
4 hr 50 min
TOTAL TIME
439
CALORIES
$3.28
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Google
Chicken Sausage Cavatappi Bolognese with Zucchini & Parmesan
A bowl of pasta never fails to satisfy--it’s quick, carby, comforting, and our total winter weather go-to. When you add sweet Italian chicken sausage, tender bites of zucchini, and Parmesan to the equation, you’ve reached another level of deliciousness entirely. Ready to enjoy bite after bite of twi...
30 min
TOTAL TIME
934
CALORIES
$4.12
PER SERVING
View Recipe
Bon Appétit
Best Bolognese
It doesn’t take a lot of ingredients to make a classic Bolognese recipe. What it does take, though, is patience for the sauce to achieve the ideal authentic texture. You’re going to go low and slow—it’ll take around 3 hours, but most of that cook time is hands-off.
530
202
7,143
1092
CALORIES
$5.65
PER SERVING
View Recipe
A Mummy Too
Spaghetti Bolognese Gordon Ramsay Style
Want to make spaghetti bolognese like Gordon Ramsay? It took some research and testing to find out how he approaches this classic dish, but the results are incredible.
9
25 min
TOTAL TIME
597
CALORIES
$2.89
PER SERVING
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The Little Ferraro Kitchen
Chorizo Bolognese with Capers and Burrata
Weeknight dinner with a bit of a kick! Chorizo bolognese with briny capers and finished with creamy burrata cheese.
2
80
21
30 min
TOTAL TIME
922
CALORIES
$3.14
PER SERVING
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Pasta Meat Sauce FAQ
When does Bolognese expire?
How do you tell if Bolognese is bad?
What is Bolognese sauce?
What kind of meat should I use for Bolognese?
What other ingredients are typically used in Bolognese?
How do I make Bolognese sauce?
What kind of pasta should I serve with Bolognese?
Can I make Bolognese ahead of time?
Can I make Bolognese vegetarian or vegan?
How can I thicken or thin out my Bolognese sauce?
Tips for storing Bolognese to extend shelf life
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