Bolognese Sauce Antica is purely and simply a thick rich meat sauce that brings an authentic taste of Italy to the table. The antica part of the title means that the bolognese ingredients includes milk which mellows the flavor of the meat while it softens the texture. The meat sauce is slow-cooked made patiently and lovingly by many Italian nonnas and mammas who want to take the time to develop the flavor of the sauce. The end result is the most delicious, creamiest sauce ever!
Next time try the Southern Italian classic Arrabbiata sauce.
For this recipe you will need: beef, pork, olive il, butter, onion, carrots, celery, milk, dry white wine, milk, nutmeg, Italian plum tomatoes, salt, pepper, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh pasta.
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Preparing Soffritto for the Bolognese sauce
In our home, Mamma made sugo di carne {meat sauce}. So every time I heard the term "ragù," I thought it was just a brand of spaghetti sauce. It wasn't until I was much older that I discovered it's also a term for meat sauce.
Whenever we saw Mamma mincing and dicing her celery, carrots, and onions for a soffritto and then spotted a pile of minced beef on the cutting board, we knew she was making her sugo di carne. And oh boy, were we in for a real treat! It would take her about five hours to slowly cook the meat sauce, but the result was worth it.
This meal is reserved for a special Sunday dinner or a holiday. When I looked into Italian cuisine and experimented with recipes, I realized that mamma's recipe was Bolognese Sauce almost exactly like Marcella Hazan's. I wish now that I'd asked my mamma and papà more questions . . . taken the time to write down mamma's recipes.
I truly regret that so many questions will forever be left unanswered!
A celebration sauce
I remember once, after my Honey and I married, our family traveled to visit my mamma and papà. And there, waiting for us on the stove, was a pan of sugo di carne. I couldn't wait for dinner! My Honey and kids never tasted mamma's Bolognese sauce -- I knew they were in for a real taste experience.
And I was right! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal with lots of compliments to the cuoca {cook}.
Later on in the evening, I was explaining to my Honey how mamma made her sugo and what type of meat she used. His reaction wasn't quite what I expected.
"She used what???"
"She used beef tenderloin."
"You're kidding! She used beef tenderloin for a sauce? Why not chuck, or hamburger?"
"Because she wanted to make it special. Did I tell you about Remigio and his wife -- the friends from Isola D'Istria? Well, he works as a butcher in Chicago. He and his wife came down recently for a visit and he brought them some Italian meats -- including a beef tenderloin."
"But a beef tenderloin?!" He shook his head in disbelief.
"You know mamma and papà always want to share. Well, they figured this would be the best way for all of us to enjoy the beef tenderloin. And . . . they get more than one meal out of it."
Cooking is sharing love
I don't think I did a good job of convincing him. Now and then I'd still see him shaking his head and muttering beef tenderloin.
My parents survived WW II and all of the poverty and destruction that it brought Italy. They didn't take anything for granted. The meat was a luxury -- something they appreciated. Whenever we gave them anything, you can bet we'd get something back tenfold. That's just the way they were.
Our Bolognese Sauce Ingredients doubled
Now, for our Bolognese Sauce, we used beef chuck instead, and we doubled the original recipe. Whether you make one batch or two, the time involved is practically the same --four to five hours, depending on how long you want to let it simmer.
It turned out just like we remembered -- a rich, creamy, meaty sauce.
Traditionally the sauce is served over fresh tagliatelle, an egg pasta. Instead, we put it over our homemade rigatoni that we made on our pasta machine, a Christmas gift from our children. We will be posting that recipe and how we did it shortly.
Don't let the amount of time it takes to make the sugo di carne scare you off. Most of the time you spend letting the Bolognese Sauce slowly simmer -- you and your loved ones will be very pleased with your efforts.
And don't forget the milk -- it really does tenderize the meat making it incredibly rich and smooth.
And to my mamma and papà, I know you're together today celebrating, Happy 75th Anniversary, siete sempre nel mio cuore e nei miei pensieri.
If you like this pasta sauce you're sure to enjoy...
Arrabbiata Sauce - A smokey spicy tomato sauce that perks up your tastebuds.
Puttanesca Sauce - Pasta sauce that is as bold as its namesake. Aromatic and flavorful.
Quick Cherry Tomato Sauce - An easy sauce when you want lots of flavor and have little time.
Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce - Slow Cooking caramelizes the sugar in the tomatoes, bringing out the flavor.
If you think all tomato sauces taste the same. Sample these sauces and you'll experience the difference.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
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As I was updating this post I found this carino (cute) printable for our Italian Bolognese Sauce. I thought you might like it!!
When we need canned tomatoes we always use San Marzano tomatoes like these. Don't be fooled into thinking all canned tomatoes are the same, they aren't. Also be sure to read that they are genuine San Marzano tomatoes. You will love how your sauce tastes.
I wanted to share this Bolognese Sauce Printable with you. The quote I added because I truly believe Sophia was right on the mark.
Bolognese Sauce Antica Recipe-True Taste of Italy
It doesn't take a lot of ingredients to make a Classic Bolognese Recipe. What it does take is patience for the sauce to achieve the perfect authentic rich texture. The sugo di carne is hearty and exploding with complex flavors. A sauce you'll want to make often.
Craving a Bolognese but going meatless? This lentil-based version is rich, hearty, and tastes like it simmered all day -- no one will guess how easy it is! Your family will love our Italian Lentil Bolognese recipe.
If you like this recipe, please consider giving it a 5-star rating.
📖 Recipe
Authentic Bolognese Sauce Antica A True Taste of Italy
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons butter plus 2 tablespoons for tossing the pasta
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 ⅓ cups chopped celery
- 1 ⅓ cups chopped carrot
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef chuck you can use 1 part pork to 2 parts beef
- Kosher of Sea Salt
- Black pepper ground fresh from the mill
- 2 cups whole milk
- Whole nutmeg
- 2 cups dry white wine
- 3 cups canned imported Italian plum tomatoes cut up with their juice
- 2 pounds pasta
- Freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese at the table
Instructions
- Put the oil, butter and chopped onion in the pot and turn the heat on to medium. Cook and stir the onion until it has become translucent, then add the chopped celery and carrot. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring vegetables to coat them well.
- Before adding the beef to the pot, mix the meat with a large pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Mix with your hands as you would for meatballs. Add to the pot and then break up the meat with a fork, stir well and cook until the beef is no longer pink.
- Add milk and let it simmer gently, stirring frequently, until it has bubbled away completely. Grate a little bit of nutmeg in -- about ¼ teaspoon, and stir
- Add the wine, let it simmer until it has evaporated, then add the tomatoes and stir thoroughly. Bring the tomatoes up to a simmer and then turn down the heat so that the sauce cooks very slowly. Cook uncovered, for 4 or more hours, stirring occasionally. If the sauce begins to dry out add ½ cup of water whenever necessary. At the end of the cooking time there shouldn't be any water left.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Toss with cooked drained pasta, adding the two tablespoons of butter, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
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Marijke
I have all the ingredients on my counter and am making this for our very special friends returning from vacation. Can't wait to taste this.....will give you an update soon!
Marisa Franca
Hi Marijke! This is the BEST sauce we've ever tasted. It does take patience, but it is worth it. Buon appetito!
Susan
Marisa, I am so happy to have found your website. I lived in Bologna for 5 years. Your recipe is the only authentic Bolognese sauce I have found since returning to the US. The Bolognese do not cook with garlic but love their butter and cream.
Marisa Franca
Hello Susan! I'm so happy you found us!! Welcome and I hope to hear from you again and I do appreciate comments and suggestions. Un abbraccio forte forte!
ripon hassan
Truly appreciate the way you have made this wonderful Italian bolognese sauce. Everything is so nicely described that really helped me lots.
Marisa Franca
Thank you for your comment. I'm so happy you enjoyed it. Happy cooking and better yet happy eating!
Dagmar Vanderkuip
Quick question .
Can u substitute something for the wine?
Marisa Franca
Hello Dagmar! Just use beef stock for the wine. Happy cooking.
Jennifer Banz
I love a slow cooked sauce and this was incredible!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
This might be one of my husband's favourite dinners. I have got to try your version because it looks so good!!!
Tammy
Oh gosh this looks fantastic! I love bolognese and I love this authentic version. Nothing compares to Italian food made at home ^_^
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
Marrying into an Italian family pasta is a requirement at least once a week. This would be a great addition to the menu as I know they'd love this! Thank you for sharing!
GUNJAN C Dudani
OOH! I have been craving some nice bolognese sauce and i got a perfect recipe for it. Thanks for sharing.
Pam Greer
This is the only pasta bolognese sauce that I use now!! I've tried many recipes and this one is perfect!
Jacqui Debono
Thank you so much for sharing the story of your Mama's meat sauce! I love that she used beef tenderloin too! This looks so rich and beautifully and lovingly prepared.
Aleta
Nom nom nom I could seriously go for a giant bowl of that right about now! This is comfort food at it's best. I know what I'm making for my family this weekend!
Sharon
There is nothing better than a slow-cooked sauce. It brings out all the flavor of the meat. I love this authentic meal.
Bernice Hill
How timely! I've been craving an authentic bolognese recently and this recipe looks to be perfect!
Diane
Wow, was this fantastic! So glad that I made a double batch and have tons to freeze. The milk was interesting and took forever for it to simmer and evaporate. It was well worth the time. Plan to spend the day cooking and simmering. I did use the beef and pork mixture. May add some veal next time as well. Wonderful recipe and I am going to start browsing through all of your other recipes. Thanks for sharing.
Marisa Franca
Ciao, Diane! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. We really appreciate it and we're so happy you love the sauce as much as we do. I hope you do try lots of our other recipes. Have a wonderful weekend. Un abbraccio!
Rita
I made this sauce almost exactly like the recipe. I used San Marzano tomatoes and equal parts, beef, pork and veal. I did throw in a Parmesan rind. After the milk and wine had been cooked down, I added a cups of water and let it cook down three times, at least. The sauce was so rich and perfect. My husband and I have been to Tuscany and I think I had found my perfect recipe….after at lest a half a dozen tries. All we’re good but not as good as this. Thanks for sharing.
Marisa Franca
Grazie, Rita, for taking the time to comment. Sei molto gentile! I'm so glad so like the sauce. Tuscany is such a beautiful area and the people are marvelous. Every time I look at our pictures I sigh!! Un abbraccio forte!
Amy
This dish looks delicious! I love pasta and this meal is pure comfort food. I love how you even made your own rigatoni for this dish. I can’t wait to try—my family is going to love it!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Amy! I'm sure your family will enjoy the sauce -- and you can't beat homemeade pasta!! xoxo
Kathi
Ditto ♥️
Daniela
Yum such a delicious sounding bolognese! I'm a huge fan of the pasta-meat combo... especially after surfing :)!
Charity
Everything you cook makes me want to be Italian! True Italian food never gets boring and it always smells so delicious!
Michele
Oh my goodness, this bolognese looks mouth-watering. This is perfect to serve for a family gathering or special company. I am so looking forward to trying this.
Anne Lawton
I love a good bolognese sauce and this one sounds fantastic!
Kate
I want to dive right into that bowl it looks absolutely delicious! Like something my grandma would make. I can't wait to try this recipe - perfect for a Sunday night dinner!
Shelley
Oh, thank you for sharing this recipe! I loved the story about your mother making her five-hour sauce ... what a wonderful childhood memory! And about your parents appreciating and cherishing everything, including the luxury of meat. So interesting, too, about "antica" meaning that the sauce includes milk for the creaminess - I'd never heard that before! I enjoyed this so much, although I guess that's what I expect when I visit your blog! 🙂
Jenni LeBaron
This sounds absolutely delicious, Marisa! I love that so much love is always put into a sauce like this and the aromatics are lovely. That bit of nutmeg must really help enhance the flavor of everything. Can't wait to try this!
Julie
Do you think this would freeze well? I usually make double or triple batches of sauces like this, but I've never made one with milk before, and I'm not sure if that will change the texture if I try to freeze it!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Julie!! It freezer beautifully!! We always make a double batch and then we freeze it. The texture and taste are fantastic. I hope you give it a go -- you won't regret it!! xoxo
Aline
I love classics!! This recipe is an absolute keeper - adding milk really made all the difference to control the acidity and make everything super creamy and delicious! Thank you!!
Marisa Franca
Thank you for commenting, Aline! The milk does make all the difference doesn't it!! Have a wonderful day. xoxo
Lizzy
What a classic and comforting recipe, perfect for back to school. Thanks for sharing this taste of Italy!
Marisa Franca
Picacere mio, Lizzy. I love sharing our favorite recipes. xoxo
Veena Azmanov
Perfect meal for my perfect family. This is surely a feast to them. One of their favorite Dinner options. They to love it.
Chef Dennis
I've always loved Italian Food! This Bolognese Sauce Antica looks really appetizing. Wish I could have this right now!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Chef Dennis! I very partial to Italian cuisine, too. ????
Dana
This recipe reminds me of straight-up home cooking. A real comforting classic! My Mom always made bolognese and half the time I just wanted to eat it with bread, for dippin' of course 😉
Tracy Koslicki
Oooh antica! I had no idea that meant adding milk and what that means for the sauce. But of course, and it sounds amazing! I'd love to try ANY of your authentic sauces!
Stef
I had the same thought as you about Ragu. I didn't learn the true meaning until later in life. I can almost smell your family recipe. I can't wait to try it! I'll think about your family when I do. 🙂
Amanda
I love this story....beef tenderloin hahaha You know what, I bet that beef tenderloin made it taste so good too 😉 I love a good meat sauce, but mine is never consistently good each time I make it. I must try your recipe because I am sure it would be better than anything I've ever done!
Anna
This is pure comfort food at it's best! Bolognese sauce is my favorite and this is pasta perfection.
Carmy
I am obsessed with bolognese sauce. My mom used to make something similar for me because I was a picky eater and bolognese was one of the sauces that I'll eat. Meat sauce is also always my go to when my partner wants something hearty and fulling.
Debra
I love the authenticity of this recipe. You don't come across a recipe handed down from generation to generation too often anymore. I think I'll do as you advise and make a double batch! Looking forward to the house smelling delicious too.
Tina
I love the stories about your parents. They seemed like such wise and generous people. The ragu looks fantastic and I know my honey will love it! I have to serve it over spaghetti, it's the only pasta he likes for some reason. If I want a different pasta, even, fresh handmade pasta, I have to boil to pans of water! Thanks for the stories and this recipe:)
Jean
I’m going to make this on Saturday. Do you ever add fennel, basil, or origano?
I love the nutmeg!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Jean! We have added those herbs to my sauces but for the Bolognese Sauce, we haven't. But cooking should be fun -- experiment and see how you like it.
Annjennette
This is a beautiful recipe. I'm just wondering if those last four hours can be finished in the oven - like a braise - or in a slow cooker? Or does the direct heat give best results?
Marisa Franca
Hi, Annjennette. I've never tried it in the oven or slow cooker but I don't see why it wouldn't work as long as the heat was really low. It would be interesting to compare the results. Our stove will handle the really low simmer so it's not a problem. I hope you try the recipe -- it is so good!!
Frank
As you say, a true taste of Italy. And one that can be hard to find. What passes for bolognese sauce in restaurants is often a travesty... this one's the real deal.
Marisa Franca
That it is, Frank. Every minute spent in preparing it is worth the taste. Thank you for your comment. Have a great week.
Carol Borchardt
This looks amazing! Really takes me back to a wonderful trip to Italy about eight years ago. Love it!
Marisa Franca
Hi Carol! Ahhhh!!! To be back in Italy -- I'm ready to go -- how about you??
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health
this looks so comforting!!!!!
Marisa Franca
That it is Dixya!! 🙂
Oana @AdoreFoods
Nothing better than a rich, homemade bolognese sauce! Slowly cooked and full of flavors...now I am craving some badly! Saving this recipe to try it soon. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Marisa Franca
I know how you feel Oana -- just writing about it made me hungry all over again.
Shadi
This is perfect for a family night dinner!
Marisa Franca
Hello Shadi! And if you make a double batch you'll have plenty leftover for another dinner or sauce for lasagna. 🙂
Chris @ SimpleFood365
What a wonderful sauce recipe! The tenderloin instead of hamburger sounds so good! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Marisa Franca
Your welcome Chris -- to be honest I believe your food is as good as the ingredients and whenever you put that much time in something you want it outstanding, don't you agree.
Wendi Spraker
I loved reading about using the beef tenderloin for the sauce! Just yesterday I was watching my new Favorite show on Netflix (Chef's Table - you have to check it out if you have Netflix). Anyway, the chef in the episode I was watching was describing that your dish will only be as good as the individual ingredients. He said it like that would be a surprise to most people. Doesn't surprise me. I'm sure it doesn't surprise you either - or your mama. Home cooks have known that for a long long time I think. Thanks for sharing some of your history and your story. I bet your dish is wonderful too!
Marisa Franca
Hi Wendi! I love talking about my folks -- it helps me to recall the beautiful memories. Makes it feel as if they are still with me. I will have to check out the Chef's Table. Where we are at for a few months doesn't have Netflix but we do at home. Have a wonderful day.
Florentina
I love that you take the time to let this simmer as it needs to. During the holidays I practically let mine simmer away all day, adding liquid now and then, but there's been times when my bolognese cooked for 9 hours LOL I know, but really it was the best.
Marisa Franca
I agree Florentina! The longer it cooks the better. Boy! I would have loved to taste your 9 hour bolognese!! 🙂
KariAnne
Marisa,
Love the story of your mother's sauce! You are so blessed!
Thanks for the recipe rock star!
karianne
Marisa Franca
Hi KariAnne! I am indeed blessed and I truly am happy for everything I've been given. Now, you friend, if you lived near, I could bring you over some de--licious bolognese sauce to put on your pasta 😉
Ciao Chow Linda
This is a "feel good, comfort food" sauce if ever there was one. The beef tenderloin must havemade this so delicious. What a sweet story about your parents and one to treasure and pass down to your children.
Marisa Franca
Thank you Linda -- The sauce was so very delicious but I don't think my Hubby will let me buy a tenderloin for the Bolognese 🙂 . The chuck turned out excellent, though.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
Hi Marisa! I'm so glad I've found your site (via Food Blog Stars), not just for your glorious recipe for Bolognese, but for your background. Sounds like we have a lot in common -- my parents, also WWII survivors and also from Italy! My father has passed, but I try to get as many recipes from my mom *written down*! That's a trick 🙂 Lovely to read about your recipe and your family!
Marisa Franca
Ciao Patricia! I'm glad you found my site too!! We'll have to have a chat and compare stories. Yes! Yes! Yes! Absolutely write down everything your mamma can tell you. I wish my mamma were here now I'd pepper her with a thousand questions. Abbracci!!
Simply Suzannes at Home
Oh, Marisa! I LOVED reading the story behind your bolognese sauce. It's my favorite Italian sauce of all time!! And the story of your sweet mamma and Papa . . . brought tears to my eyes.
I have a recipe for slow cooker bolognese sauce that sounds amazing. It's been on my desk for almost 3 weeks . . . and I've been wanting to make it. After seeing your beautiful photos and reading your recipe - I need to make a big batch of it!! Thank you so much for sharing your sweet memories and traditional recipes with us!!
Sending hugs!
PS I smiled when I read that you received a big box of citrus in the mail. What a special treat!
I can't wait to hear what you make when them!!
Marisa Franca
Suzanne, you are so darn sweet. Thank you for all the kind words. Yes! You have to make Bolognese sauce -- we like it so much because the tomato doesn't overwhelm the meat. Yum!! Sending a big hug!!
Tracy @ Served from Scratch
This is seriously my favorite food in the world... I could eat it for every meal, hot or cold. Yum!!
Marisa Franca
Hi Tracy! It can be addictive can't it?? I can't wait to make it again.
Chiara
my bolognese sauce it's like yours, the only difference is red wine instead of white wine and a crust of parmigiano reggiano cooked in the sauce ! Next time I will make your recipe Marisa, have a good week, a warm hug from Trieste !
Marisa Franca
Ciao Chiara!! I guess we just have the right recipe :-). We like the white wine -- it's a little less dense. And my next recipe to post is mamma's Pinza recipe! Have you ever made it? A great big hug right back at you!!
Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY
Marisa, you are indeed daring in the kitchen. I love that. Very inspiring because I tend to gravitate toward the super easy recipes.
I'm going to branch out and I'll let you know how my bolognese sauce turns out.
Yours looks delicious. Happy day!
Marisa Franca
Oh my Lisa!! I've seen some of your creative endeavors and you are indeed brave and talented! 🙂
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
This is my second comment for this wonderful recipe. I love the sounds of it. A true toast to Italy!!
Marisa Franca
Thank you for the repeat comment -- I truly appreciate it Gloria! 🙂
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
Italy is one place I would like to visit. This sounds wonderful. We love Italian food in this house, especially pasta!!
Marisa Franca
Hi Gloria! If you love Italian this is right up your alley. It is a great recipe and it does freeze well.
Diane P
My family never made Bolognese sauce! They made sauce with meat: ribs or braciole, but the meat was always eaten as a separate course. Your pictures are so wonderful, I just want to dive right in and eat! Will be trying this soon. My meat loving husband will adore it! Thanks, Marisa.
Marisa Franca
Diane, you and your hubby will love this!! I wish I could send you some -- we still have a portion in the freezer 🙂
Tracy | Baking Mischief
What a lovely story about your parents. I've always wanted to make a real bolognese sauce but was a little intimidated by the long cooking time. This looks so good though, I'm going to have to give it a try!
Marisa Franca
Thank you Tracy! If you like to bake -- this is a piece of cake 🙂 Not difficult at all. Let me know if you do make it.
Jovina Coughlin
One of my favorite recipes. Your recipe looks divine. Wow beef tenderloin???
Don't you just love this sauce over big, fat rigatoni. Fabulous picture.
Marisa Franca
Thank you Jovina!! The sauce is wonderful as well as the rigatoni. I never thought it would be that easy to make. Have a wonderful day.
Brandy M.
Love a good bolognese sauce! This one looks delicious and meaty which will keep my all boy clan happy.
Marisa Franca
Hi Brandy! I can guarantee this will satisfy the biggest carnivores. Our grandsons ( no girls) love their meat!!
Wajeeha
This looks delicious! And I love your family story too...so sweet! Family recipes are the best aren't they? 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi Wajeeha! Yes family recipes are the best and I love the idea of tradition.
Shadi
a good meat sauce is what every household needs! This one looks so divine! I love the addition of celery and carrots which adds some more veggies to the family's daily diet!
Marisa Franca
Hi Shadi! Thank you -- the sauce is so good yet the ingredients are quite simple. Hope you make the recipe!
Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs
What wonderful memories there are behind this dish. I think I'd have been as shocked as your other half hearing they'd used beef tenderloin 🙂 but I completely understand the sentiment! I always want to share the best with my loved ones too. What a special recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Marisa Franca
Hi Emma!! Yep that is a family story among my boys! As delicious as the sauce was -- they would want a great big hunk of rare tenderloin on their plate 🙂
LydiaF
This sounds wonderful and worth the little extra effort to make a double batch to feed the freezer. Thanks for sharing your parent's story, I imagine they could share similar stories of hunger and deprivation with immigrant groups from other areas of the world. Hopefully this wonderful sauce which must have reminded them of their former home, provided some comfort.
Marisa Franca
Hi Lydia! I love talking about my parents -- I believe they are the bravest people I've ever met. It is a shame that there is so much hunger in the world when there are the resources to make a difference. Let's hope and pray that things will change. Have a wonderful day.