Ina Garten’s Weeknight Bolognese Recipe: A Cozy Italian Classic

Hearty pasta dishes always win hearts, and this bolognese with a Ina Garten weeknight bolognese recipe twist promises pure comfort.

Rich, meaty flavors dance through every bite of this classic Italian sauce.

Garten’s approach simplifies the traditional cooking method without compromising depth of taste.

Her clever technique ensures a robust meal comes together quickly on busy evenings.

The sauce simmers with a perfect balance of ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.

Each spoonful delivers restaurant-quality flavor that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor an authentic, soul-warming dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredient Rundown for Ina Garten Weeknight Bolognese

• Ground Sirloin: Provides rich, hearty foundation with deep beef flavor; choose lean cut for less grease and more concentrated taste.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking surface and adds subtle fruity undertone; select extra virgin for best quality.

• Garlic, Dried Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Builds complex layered flavor profile; choose fresh garlic for maximum punch and vibrant dried herbs for authentic Italian essence.
• Dry Red Wine: Adds depth and complexity; select medium-bodied wine like Chianti for authentic taste.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Creates robust sauce base with concentrated tomato richness; prefer San Marzano tomatoes for superior sweetness.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Balances and elevates overall seasoning; use freshly ground black pepper for intense aroma.
• Nutmeg: Provides subtle warmth and sophistication; use freshly grated for most intense flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Introduces bright, herbaceous note; select vibrant green leaves without dark spots.
• Heavy Cream: Softens sauce and adds luxurious smoothness; use full-fat version for best texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty finish; choose freshly grated over pre-packaged for superior taste.
• Pasta: Serves as hearty foundation; select high-quality durum wheat pasta for authentic texture.

Tools to Make Ina Garten Weeknight Bolognese Effortless

• Large Skillet (30 cm/12-inch): Essential for cooking ground sirloin and developing deep flavors.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up meat and stirring ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Large Pot: Necessary for boiling pasta with space to cook evenly.
• Colander: Crucial for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping basil and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise herb and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Grater: Used for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Serving Bowl: Provides a beautiful presentation for mixing pasta and sauce.

Step-by-Step for Ina Garten Weeknight Bolognese

• Meat Magic

Brown ground sirloin in a sizzling skillet until it develops a rich, caramel-like color. The key is letting the meat create those delicious golden edges that pack serious flavor.

• Aromatic Awakening

Sprinkle in fragrant garlic, oregano, and a whisper of red pepper flakes. These seasonings transform the meat into a symphony of taste that dances on your palate.

• Wine Embrace

Splash in robust red wine, allowing it to mingle with the browned meat bits. This step creates a deep, complex foundation for the sauce that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Tomato Symphony

Pour crushed tomatoes and a dollop of tomato paste into the skillet. Let everything bubble and merge into a luscious sauce that tells a story of comfort and warmth.

• Pasta Perfection

Cook pasta in generously salted water until it reaches that magical al dente moment – tender with a gentle bite that holds up to the hearty sauce.

• Creamy Finale

Stir in velvety cream, fresh basil, and a hint of nutmeg. These secret ingredients elevate the sauce from good to absolutely unforgettable.

• Serving Celebration

Toss the pasta with the rich sauce, shower with Parmesan, and create a meal that feels like a warm embrace from an Italian grandmother.

Smart Tips for Ina Garten Weeknight Bolognese

• Mix ground sirloin with ground pork or veal for a richer, more complex meat flavor profile.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to increase or decrease heat intensity, making the sauce mild or fiery according to personal preference.
• Choose a dry red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that you'd enjoy drinking to enhance the sauce's depth and richness.
• Fold in finely diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms during the meat browning stage to add extra nutrition and subtle vegetable undertones.
• Prepare the sauce in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.

How to Plate Ina Garten Weeknight Bolognese with Style

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or additional basil on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up the rich, creamy Bolognese sauce and complete the meal with a delightful texture contrast.
• Create a Side Salad: Toss a quick green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta and provide a refreshing accompaniment that cuts through the sauce's richness.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the robust flavors of the Bolognese and enhances the overall dining experience.

Storage Tricks for Ina Garten Weeknight Bolognese

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer sauce to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or extra wine to restore moisture and prevent scorching.
• Pasta Preparation Tip: Cook fresh pasta just before serving to maintain optimal texture. Avoid storing pre-mixed pasta and sauce, as noodles can become soggy and lose their delightful al dente quality.

Comforting Ina Garten Weeknight Bolognese Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s weeknight bolognese recipe offers a rich, comforting Italian classic with streamlined preparation. Simmered with ground meats, tomatoes, and herbs, this hearty sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor that home cooks will devour with pasta.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground sirloin
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) good olive oil, plus extra to cook the pasta
• 4 tsp (20 ml) minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) dry red wine, divided
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) tomato paste
• ¾ lb (340 g) dried pasta, such as orecchiette or small shells
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dried oregano
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) ground nutmeg
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: In a large skillet, sear ground sirloin over medium-high heat. Break the meat into crumbly pieces, allowing it to transform from pink to golden brown, developing rich caramelized edges.
2. Aromatic Infusion: Introduce minced garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toast the spices briefly to unleash their intense fragrance and create a robust flavor foundation.
3. Wine Deglazing: Pour dry red wine into the skillet, expertly scraping the pan’s surface to incorporate all the concentrated meat drippings. This process elevates the sauce’s depth and complexity.
4. Tomato Base Development: Integrate crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and concentrate for 10 minutes.
5. Sauce Refinement: Enhance the sauce with ground nutmeg, fresh basil leaves, and heavy cream. Incorporate additional red wine, continuing to simmer until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Pasta Finale: Cook pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl, then lavishly coat with the rich bolognese sauce. Generously scatter freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a final layer of flavor and texture. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Browning: Achieve a golden-brown color by allowing ground sirloin to develop caramelized edges, which intensifies the sauce’s deep flavor profile.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose a dry red wine with good acidity to enhance the sauce’s complexity and create a rich, layered taste experience.
• Cream Balancing Technique: Add heavy cream towards the end to soften the tomato’s acidity and create a silky, luxurious sauce texture without overwhelming the dish.
• Pasta Timing is Critical: Cook pasta just before serving to ensure optimal texture and temperature, preventing it from becoming soggy or cold when combining with the sauce.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg