Description
Hearty lasagna bolognese delivers rich, complex layers of ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs simmered to perfection. Creamy béchamel and perfectly al dente pasta sheets create an irresistible harmony you’ll savor with each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Base:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) lean ground beef
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork
Tomato Base:
- 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can tomato sauce
- 1 12-ounce (340 grams) can tomato paste
- 2 28-ounce (794 grams) cans crushed tomatoes
Herbs, Spices, and Liquid Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red onion (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 teaspoons dried parsley
- 4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 2 dashes ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup Chianti or good dry red wine
- 4 cups chicken broth
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by finely dicing red onion and thoroughly mincing garlic, ensuring all components are measured and ready for cooking.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over moderate heat. Sauté onions until translucent and softened, then introduce ground beef and pork. Cook meat thoroughly, breaking into small crumbles and ensuring even browning.
- Incorporate minced garlic and aromatic herbs including parsley, oregano, basil, marjoram, and a whisper of nutmeg. Season generously with salt and pepper, allowing herbs to release their fragrant essences.
- Create a rich liquid base by whisking together tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, a touch of brown sugar, and chicken broth. Pour this vibrant mixture into the meat mixture, stirring to integrate completely.
- Lower heat and allow sauce to simmer gently, with pot partially covered. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and promote flavor melding. After 30 minutes, introduce Chianti or red wine to elevate the sauce’s complexity.
- Continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing liquid to reduce and flavors to harmonize. Taste critically and adjust seasoning as needed – potentially adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the profile.
- If sauce appears too thick, carefully thin with additional chicken broth until reaching desired consistency. Serve immediately over pasta or accompanied by rustic bread for a hearty, traditional Italian meal.
Notes
- This hearty Italian meat sauce blends ground beef and pork with a rich medley of herbs and spices for an authentic, deeply flavored experience.
- Drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent a greasy sauce and ensure a cleaner, more robust taste profile.
- Simmering develops complex flavors, so patience is key – allow the sauce to slowly meld together for maximum deliciousness.
- Chianti or red wine adds depth and complexity, transforming a good sauce into an extraordinary culinary creation.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to personalize the sauce, balancing salt, pepper, and sweetness to your taste preferences.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for future quick and delicious meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg