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–+ servings

Orecchiette Bolognese

Print Recipe
This orecchiette bolognese is a deliciously hearty and comforting dish that will no doubt fill your home with an amazing and cozy aroma!
Course Mains & Entrees
Cuisine Italian
Keyword boiled dinner, bolognese, pasta
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 833
Author Laurie McNamara

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup white onion finely minced
  • 1 cup carrots finely minced
  • 1 cup celery finely minced
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground veal
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 cup dry red wine like merlot, chianti or malbec
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 16 ounces orecchiette pasta cooked al dente
  • parmesan cheese freshly grated, for serving
  • parsley minced

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sautéed until soft and translucent.
  • Then add in the red pepper flakes sauté for an additional minute.
  • Add beef, veal, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Use a wooden spoon, breaking up the meat into small pieces.
  • Once the meat is no longer pink, add thyme and bay leaves. Add tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the milk and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering until all the milk has evaporated and only clear juices remain, about 10 minutes. 
  • Add the wine and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering until all the wine has evaporated, about 10 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes with their juices and bring to a boil, then place the heat at the lowest setting. Continue on this very low simmer for 2 – 2 ½ hours, stirring every 20 minutes until you get a rich, thick meaty sauce. 
  • Check for seasonings and add kosher salt and pepper accordingly.
  • Toss the cooked orecchiette in the bolognese sauce and serve topped with parmesan cheese. Garnish with Italian parsley and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 833kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 351mg | Potassium: 1132mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 4715IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 5mg