Classic Ragu Bolognese

This is my quintessential comfort food. A big bowl of pasta smothered in a slow-cooked red wine and meat sauce that sticks to your ribs and warms your soul. This recipe is adapted from Bon Appetit magazine, and it is the best I have found. A perfect Sunday dinner that will make your house smell amazing all day long!

Classic Ragu Bolognese
A truly delicious and comforting pasta that everyone will love.
Serves 4-6

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
2 carrots, peeled, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
12 oz. ground beef              
3 oz. thinly sliced pancetta or bacon, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry red wine
3 cups (about) beef stock or chicken stock, divided
3 Tbsp. tomato paste      
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper      
1 cup whole milk      
1 lb. tagliatelle or fettuccine (preferably fresh egg)      
Finely grated Parmesan (for serving)

Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until soft, 8-10 minutes. Add beef and pancetta; sauté, breaking up with the back of a spoon, until browned, about 15 minutes. Add wine; boil 1 minute, stirring often and scraping up browned bits. Add 2 1/2 cups stock and tomato paste; stir to blend. Reduce heat to very low and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, 1 1/2 hours. Season with salt and pepper.

 

Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan; gradually add to sauce. Cover sauce with lid slightly ajar and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until milk is absorbed, about 45 minutes, adding more stock by 1/4-cupfuls to thin if needed.

 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt; add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until 1 minute before al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Transfer ragù to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pasta and toss to coat. Stir in some of the reserved pasta water by tablespoonfuls if sauce seems dry. Divide pasta among warm plates. Serve with Parmesan.

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit