Description
This Hearty Pappardelle Bolognese features a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce made with a blend of ground beef and pork, pancetta, and aromatic vegetables. Simmered to perfection with tomato paste, white wine, and milk, this traditional Italian dish is served over wide pappardelle noodles and garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 oz pancetta, diced
- 300g (10 oz) ground beef
- 300g (10 oz) ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 400g (14 oz) pappardelle pasta
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Render Pancetta: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until the fat is rendered and the pancetta is lightly crisped, about 3-5 minutes.
- Brown Meat: Add the ground beef and pork to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Brown the meat thoroughly, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and flavorful bits.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 2 minutes to develop the tomato’s deep flavors. Then pour in the white wine, letting it simmer and reduce by half to concentrate the aroma.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the whole milk and beef broth, then add the bay leaf, a pinch of nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors.
- Cook Pappardelle: While the sauce simmers, cook the pappardelle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and keep warm.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Plate the cooked pappardelle topped generously with the rich Bolognese sauce and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a comforting Italian meal.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, prepare the sauce a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld overnight.
- Use whole milk to add creaminess and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pot.
- Substitute pancetta with bacon if pancetta is unavailable, though pancetta offers a more authentic flavor.
- If preferred, the sauce can be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Bolognese, Pappardelle, Slow-Cooked Meat Sauce, Italian Pasta, Hearty Dinner
