Description
Experience the ultimate comfort of a slow-cooked, authentic Bolognese sauce. This rich, velvety ragu uses ground beef and crispy turkey bacon to create a deep, savory foundation. By slowly simmering with aromatic vegetables, milk, and a touch of nutmeg, the flavors harmonize into a restaurant-quality meal. It is a freezer-friendly, crowd-pleasing classic that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a sophisticated masterpiece, perfect for Sunday dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
4 oz turkey bacon, finely diced
1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean)
1 large onion, finely diced
2 carrots, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup non-alcoholic grape juice mixed with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (wine substitute)
2 tbsp tomato paste
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 cup whole milk
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Place a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
Add the diced turkey bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and sear until deeply browned; do not rush this as it builds the base flavor.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to caramelize.
Deglaze the pot with the non-alcoholic wine substitute, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the milk and nutmeg, then reduce heat to the lowest setting.
Simmer partially covered for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Finalize by stirring in the heavy cream and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Always use a low flame to avoid scorching the milk-based sauce. The sauce improves significantly after resting, making this an ideal dish for meal prep or freezing for future use. Ensure vegetables are finely diced for a uniform texture.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 180
- Category: Meals
- Method: Slow Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian