Delicious Bolognese Meat Sauce

Submitted by Chef #1326463

"This meat sauce is a specialty of Bologna, Italy. It is from an old book called "Italian: The Essence of Mediterranean Cuisine." The photos are from my own attempt at the recipe."

 

• Ready In: 2hrs 30mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Yields: 6 servings for pasta
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons pancetta or 2 tablespoons bacon, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely sliced
• 1 stalk celery, finely sliced
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 12 ounces lean ground beef
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2⁄3 cup red wine
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 1 (15 ounce) can chopped tomatoes with juice
• 1 bay leaf
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh thyme

directions

1. 1. Heat the butter and oil in a heavy saucepan or earthenware pot. Add the onion, and cook over moderate heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the pancetta and cook untion the onion is translucent. Stir in the carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook 3 to 4 minutes more.
2. 2. Add the beef, and crumble it into the vegetables with a fork. Stir until the meat loses its red color. Season with salt and pepper.
3. 3. Pour in the wine, raise the heat slightly, and cook until the liquid evaporates, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the milk, and cook until it evaporates.
4. 4. Stir in the tomatoes with their juice, and the herbs. Bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer, uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Correct the seasoning before serving. Serve over pasta.