Hearty Bucatini Bolognese: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

Hearty Bucatini Bolognese is a comforting dish with a rich sauce, perfect for cozy dinners.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables for a flavorful base.
1 tablespoon Butter Creates a luscious texture; you can reduce it to lighten the sauce.
1 cup Onion, finely diced For even cooking and sweet depth.
1 cup Carrot, diced Adds natural sweetness.
1 cup Celery, finely diced Provides foundational flavor.
2 cloves Garlic, minced For even distribution of flavor.
1 pound Ground Beef Main protein; feel free to substitute with ground turkey.
to taste Salt & Pepper Essential for seasoning.
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Intensifies tomato flavor.
1 cup Dry Red or White Wine Used to deglaze the pot; omit for non-alcoholic version.
28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Forms the base of the sauce.
1 cup Beef Broth Adds depth; swap with vegetable broth for lighter option.
1 cup Whole Milk Provides a creamy finish; can be omitted.
1 leaf Bay Leaf Adds aromatic depth.

For the Pasta

12 ounces Bucatini The pasta of choice; substitute as needed.

For Garnishing

to taste Fresh Parsley Optional but recommended for serving.
to taste Parmesan Cheese A sprinkle for umami flavor.

Equipment

heavy pot
wooden spoon
Large pot for boiling pasta

Method

Cooking Instructions

In a heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Add 1 finely diced onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk to the pot. Sauté these for 8-10 minutes.
Crumble 1 pound of ground beef into the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, cooking for about 2 minutes.
Pour in 1 cup of dry red or white wine to deglaze the pot and let it simmer and reduce by half.
Incorporate 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 bay leaf. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces of bucatini according to package instructions.
Add the drained bucatini directly into the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Simmer longer for enhanced flavors and adjust seasonings to taste. Can be made ahead for busy weeknights.

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