Classic Tagliatelle Bolognese Recipe: An Authentic Italian Comfort Dish

Transport your taste buds to Italy with this Classic Tagliatelle Bolognese recipe! This traditional Italian dish features perfectly al dente tagliatelle pasta coated in a rich and savory meat sauce made with ground beef, finely diced vegetables, and crushed tomatoes. The addition of milk creates a velvety texture that elevates this dish to restaurant-quality status.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to prepare, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: Inspired by traditional Italian Bolognese recipes.
• Rich and Hearty: Simmering the sauce creates layers of deep, savory flavor.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone around the table will enjoy.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients you likely already have.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Ingredients for Tagliatelle Bolognese

For the Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef or pork: Traditional Bolognese can use a mix of both for a richer flavor.
• 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a punch of aromatic flavor.
• 1 carrot, finely diced: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with natural sweetness.
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced: Adds a subtle savory base to the sauce.
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: The base of the rich, tomatoey sauce.
• 1/2 cup beef broth: Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
• 1/4 cup milk: Creates a creamy, velvety texture and balances the acidity.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and meat.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for a classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the sauce perfectly.

For the Pasta

• 12 oz tagliatelle pasta: Wide, flat noodles that are perfect for clinging to the thick sauce.
• Salt: To season the boiling water for cooking pasta.

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
• Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to avoid burning.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

1. Add the ground beef (or pork) to the skillet.
2. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken.
3. In the final 10 minutes of cooking, add 1/4 cup milk to the sauce. Stir to combine, and let it simmer until creamy and velvety.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the tagliatelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). This typically takes 7-10 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked tagliatelle to the skillet with the Bolognese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
2. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Tips for the Best Tagliatelle Bolognese

1. Finely Dice the Vegetables: Smaller pieces cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the sauce.
2. Use High-Quality Tomatoes: Look for canned crushed tomatoes with no added sugar or preservatives for the best flavor.
3. Don’t Skip the Milk: This step is key to balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and achieving a creamy texture.
4. Simmer Slowly: Allowing the sauce to simmer ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Save Pasta Water: Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining. If the sauce feels too thick, you can use the starchy pasta water to loosen it slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Tagliatelle Bolognese is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with sides and beverages for an elevated dining experience:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of Chianti or another medium-bodied red wine complements the rich flavors of the sauce.
• Dessert: End the meal with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu, panna cotta, or gelato.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Bolognese: Swap the ground meat for finely chopped mushrooms or lentils.
2. Creamier Sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream or more milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
3. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
4. Pasta Alternatives: If you don’t have tagliatelle, try fettuccine, pappardelle, or even spaghetti.
5. Herb Variations: Add fresh basil or thyme for additional flavor.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~550-600
• Protein: ~28g
• Fat: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~65g
• Fiber: ~4g

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• The Bolognese sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Reheat the sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it.
• For pasta, reheat in the microwave or toss it directly in the reheated sauce to warm through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While tagliatelle is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, or pappardelle. Even short pastas like rigatoni work in a pinch.

2. Can I make this sauce in advance?

Absolutely! Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day. Make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

3. Why add milk to the sauce?

Milk helps to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce a creamy, smooth texture.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken is a lighter option and works well in this recipe.

5. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a longer time to allow the excess liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.

6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to blanch, peel, and crush them first. Fresh tomatoes may take longer to cook down to the right consistency.

7. How do I make it gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your canned tomatoes and broth are gluten-free.

8. Can I omit the beef broth?

If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute chicken or vegetable broth, or even water.

9. What’s the difference between tagliatelle and fettuccine?

Tagliatelle is slightly wider than fettuccine and originates from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, making it more traditional for Bolognese.

10. Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes! Adding 1/2 cup of red or white wine after browning the meat adds complexity and depth of flavor. Let it cook off for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes.

Conclusion

This Tagliatelle Bolognese recipe brings authentic Italian comfort food to your table with its rich, hearty meat sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re

making it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious, soul-warming flavors of Italy in every bite!

Print