Grub
by Mike McCoy

Foods Every Man Should Know How to Make: Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Recipe

Welcome to the first installment of “Foods Every Man Should Know How to Make”.  No matter if you’re trying to impress a lady on a first date or if you’re trying to prove to your wife that you’re still worth keeping around, there are a few staples that every guy should know how to make. From there you’ll have the basic skills to be the next Guy Fieri.

Lesson 1: Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce (or what most of us call “meat sauce”) varies wildly but it doesn’t have to be difficult. This recipe I’m about to share with you can be whipped up relatively quickly (especially if you have an insta-pot). But better yet, it can be used on or in any type of pasta or meatball dish including lasagna! Let’s get to it:

Bolognese Sauce (with directions for insta-pot, stovetop, or slowcooker)

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1lb Italian sausage
  • 4oz diced pancetta
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 1 stalk celery
  • 7 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2/3 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  •  1 1/2 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

Insta-Pot (scroll down for other options)

  1. turn Insta Pot to “Saute” , then add olive oil to the pot. Add the beef, sausage, and pancetta. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Do not drain the meat.
  2. Add onion and celery. cook for 4-5 minutes or until softened.
  3. Add garlic and red wine. Cook for another 2 minutes
  4. Add the remaining ingredients (except the heavy cream and basil)and stir well.
  5. Switch over to the pressure cook lid, seal, and set timer for 20 minutes
  6. Once the 20 minute cycle is complete, carefully open the lid and add the heavy cream and basil. Stir, set to saute, and cook for 5 more minutes.
  7. EAT!

Stovetop

  1. Complete steps 1-4 above in a large pot. Bring to a boil and set to simmer for about 2 hours uncovered.
  2. After 2 hours stir in heavy cream and simmer. Stir often for 5 minutes until you reach desired thickness

Slow Cooker

  1. Compete steps 1-3 in a large skillet
  2. Transfer all ingredients into the slow cooker and set the time for Low at 8 hours or High for 4 hours
  3. After cooking time has elapsed,stir in heavy cream and simmer. Stir often for 5 minutes until you reach desired thickness