Hey loves! Today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite pasta recipes—Bolognese Pappardelle—a rich, meaty, and oh-so-comforting dish that’ll have you feeling like you’re dining in a cozy Italian trattoria. Perfect for date night, family dinners, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it!).
Let’s get into it—full ingredients, step-by-step guide, and all my little chef secrets to make this dish perfection. Plus, I’ll drop the calorie count and some extra tips to level up your cooking game.
Ingredients (Grocery List)
Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or mix beef & pork for extra richness)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry red wine (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 can (28oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or heavy cream (secret ingredient!)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pappardelle pasta (or tagliatelle if you can’t find it)
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese (+ extra for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
⏳ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins (mostly simmering—worth the wait!)
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery (this trio is called soffritto—the flavor base of any good Bolognese!). Cook for 5-7 mins until softened.
- Toss in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink (5-6 mins).
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2-3 mins to cook off the alcohol.
3. Build the Sauce
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, milk/cream, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a low simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 1 hour (the longer, the better—up to 3 hours for ultra-rich flavor!). Stir occasionally.
4. Cook the Pasta
- 15 mins before serving, cook pappardelle in salted boiling water until al dente (check package time, usually 8-10 mins).
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water (this helps thicken the sauce later).
5. Combine & Serve
- Drain pasta and add it directly to the Bolognese sauce. Toss well, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh basil/parsley and more Parmesan.
Chef’s Tips & Notes
✔ Wine substitute? Use extra broth + 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar for depth.
✔ Make it ahead! Bolognese tastes even better the next day.
✔ No pappardelle? Tagliatelle, fettuccine, or rigatoni work too.
✔ Vegetarian? Swap beef for lentils or mushrooms.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 65g
- Fats: 25g
Grab My Favorite Cooking Tools!
Want to make this dish like a pro? Check out my Amazon storefront for all the kitchen essentials I use daily—Dutch ovens, wooden spoons, pasta pots, and more! Every purchase supports me (at no extra cost to you ). Link in bio!
Want More Recipes Like This?
I’ve got a PERFECT e-book full of my best comfort food recipes! Sip & Savor: Cozy Meals for Every Mood—click here to download yours now!
Final Thoughts
This Bolognese Pappardelle is hearty, flavorful, and just chef’s kiss. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Tag me if you make it! I’d love to see your creations. #PastaQueen #BologneseVibes
Happy cooking, babes! ✨
Thatsexcoachlovesfood
