• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
freebie! download my top 8 dessert recipe ebook

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Erin Lives Whole

Healthy Eats + Delicious Treats

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Dessert
      • Soup
      • Sides
      • Drinks
      • Snacks
      • Sauces & Dips
    • Dessert Type
      • Bars & Balls
      • Breads & Muffins
      • Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cookies
      • Frozen
      • Pie & Cobbler
      • Other
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Paleo Friendly
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Method
      • 30 Minute or Less
      • Air Fryer
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot
      • Meal Prep
      • No Bake
      • One Pot/Pan
      • Oven
      • Stove Top
    • Season
      • Fall
      • Holiday
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Recipe Filter
    • All Recipes
  • Ebooks
  • Shop
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Subscribe to receive latest recipes

    Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

  • Browse by Diet
    • Gluten-Free
    • Dairy-Free
    • Nut-Free
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Drinks
  • Snacks
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
Home By Meal

Red Bolognese Sauce Recipe

★★★★★ 8 Reviews Recipe Print
gf nf
By: Erin2/10/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

classic red bolognese sauce
classic red bolognese sauce

Treat yourself to rich, savory flavor with this Red Bolognese Sauce Recipe. By using ground beef, balsamic vinegar, and red wine, we achieve a taste perfect for pairing with your favorite noodles, stuffed peppers, lentils, and more!

bolognese sauce with pasta

The best beef bolognese you’ll ever try

There is nothing better than a big bowl of red bolognese sauce paired with your favorite noodles. Nothing! Something about it just tastes so nostalgic. It’s an automatic comfort food regardless of whether it’s homemade or from a restaurant.

Today’s recipe is a rich and thick bolognese that’s flavored with a lot of garlic alongside oregano, basil, and a bit of balsamic vinegar! The magic ingredient to achieve a rich flavor is red wine. You can use your favorite type, and a dry is usually best!

The taste of this ingredient combo is to die for, and the flavors will have you chowing down and running back for seconds. I love that it’s a simple, one-pot dish. It’s great for weeknights when you don’t feel like completely destroying your kitchen!

bolognese sauce in bowl

Ingredients in this red bolognese sauce recipe

This bolognese sauce recipe begins with a veggie base of onion and carrots. The true magic happens when we get into the flavorings with the tomato paste, balsamic, and wine. As for the parmesan, feel free to use grated or shaved. Your choice!

  • Olive oil: Kick off your ingredient list with 2 tbsp of olive oil. This will be plenty for cooking up the onion and carrots.
  • Yellow onion: Use 1 small diced onion, either yellow or white.
  • Carrots: Thicken up the sauce (and add some vegetable benefits) with 2 finely chopped carrots.
  • Ground beef: For the meat, you will need 1 lb of ground beef. This will create ____ servings.
  • Garlic: When I said this recipe uses a lot of garlic, I meant it! You will need 7 cloves of minced garlic to achieve the right flavor. That amounts to 1 3/4 tsp if you’re going the garlic powder route.
  • Seasonings: Add flavor to your dish by including the following seasonings: 1 tsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp of dried basil, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of pepper.
  • Tomatoes: Add the tomato taste to the bolognese by using 2 28oz cans of San Marzano crushed tomatoes.
  • Tomato paste: Compliment the tomato flavor with 1/4 cup of tomato paste.
  • Balsamic vinegar: 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar will give the sauce a slight bite without being overpowering.
  • Red wine: To get an even richer flavor, 1/2 cup of red wine will do the trick.
  • Water: Include 1/4 cup of water to get the right sauce consistency.
  • Parmesan cheese: Last but not least, finish off the sauce by including 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese.
bolognese sauce

Tools used to make this recipe

To make bolognese with ground beef and red wine, you will first need a cutting board and chopping knife to dice the onion and carrots and mince the garlic. From there, you will only need one large pan and a stirring utensil or spatula to cook the recipe!

For measuring, you will need 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, and 1/2 cup.

How to make bolognese with red wine

Bolognese is one of those dishes whose flavor grows in intensity over a bit of time. For this reason, it tastes the best when it can sit on the stove for 2-3 hours! However, don’t let that scare you away. 60 minutes of simmer time will be plenty for achieving a delightful, flavor-rich bolgonese sauce.

Begin by heating a large pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and carrots and cook for a few minutes until they soften.

Next, add the ground beef and break it up into small pieces. Cook until it’s slightly pink, and then add the garlic. Let cook for another minute.

Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Next, add the tomatoes and tomato paste and stir.

Stir in the balsamic vinegar, red wine, water, and parmesan cheese. Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Let simmer for at least 60 minutes, or 2-3 hours if you have the time. Enjoy!

bolognese sauce on pasta

How is bolgonese different from regular pasta sauce?

Though it may look like a meat sauce at first glance, bolognese is much more than that! You’ll likely find bolognese to be much thicker, and the flavors are typically a lot more intense and powerful. Pasta sauce tends to be runnier with more of a tomato flavor, whereas bolognese is simply complemented by using tomatoes! A bulk of the flavor comes from the meat and wine and the vinegar adds an edge absent in pasta sauce.

Substitution Tip

Interested in changing up your sauce? Here are some ingredients to consider!

  • Onion: Add a more potent flavor to the dish by using a red onion instead of yellow or white.
  • Water: For a thicker sauce, you can use milk in place of the water.
  • Red wine: I recommend using a red wine, but you can use a dry white too!
  • Veggies: This is more an ingredient addition than a substitute, but feel free to create a heavier base of vegetables by adding celery, zucchini, or bell peppers!
bolognese sauce with pasta

How to enjoy this bolognese sauce recipe

Bolognese can be enjoyed over a bed of your favorite pasta noodles! You can also use it in other noodle dishes like stuffed shells or lasagna, and it makes a great addition to stuffed peppers, lentils, or even gnocchi!

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

In the mood for some more saucy dishes? Here are some favorites you may want to try!

  • Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
  • Veggie Skillet Lasagna
  • Healthy One Pot Pasta Recipe
  • Easy Tortellini Spinach Soup

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa

bolognese sauce with pasta
bolognese sauce with pasta
★★★★★ 5 from 8 reviews

Red Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Treat yourself to rich, savory flavor with this Red Bolognese Sauce Recipe. By using ground beef, balsamic vinegar, and red wine, we achieve a taste perfect for pairing with your favorite noodles, stuffed peppers, lentils, and more!

Prep: 20Cook: 80Total: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield 8 servings 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced finely
  • 1lb ground beef
  • 7 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 28oz cans crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/4 cup water (or more depending on how thin you want your sauce)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pan with olive oil over medium high heat. Add in diced onion and carrots, and cook for a few minutes until they soften.
  2. Add in ground beef and break up/cook until slightly pink, add in garlic and let cook another minute.
  3. Add in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Then add in the tomatoes and tomato paste and stir.
  4. Stir in balsamic vinegar, red wine, water and parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  5. Let simmer for at least 60 minutes, or 2-3 hours if you have the time. Enjoy!
Author: ErinCategory: dinner, lunch, meal-prep, gluten-freeMethod: stovetopCuisine: Italian
bolognese sauce with pasta

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

erinliveswhole

There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

You May Also Like...

  • tzatziki sauce in bowl
    Healthy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
  • pasta with romesco sauce
    Roasted Red Pepper Romesco Sauce (Vegan)
  • healthy falafel on plate
    Easy Baked Falafel Recipe with Tahini Sauce
  • dairy-free pesto
    Dairy Free Pesto
chocolate chip cookies
free ebook

get my free top 8 desserts ebook!

A dessert lover’s heaven – six healthier sweet treats all made with six ingredients or less!

download now

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Robyn says

    Posted on 6/3 at 11:09 am

    This recipe is awesome!! The whole family loved it and my son had THREE helpings! Will definitely be adding this to my regular rotation.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/5 at 9:17 am

      Hi Robyn, so happy it was such a hit!! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Ashley says

    Posted on 3/7 at 7:00 pm

    Love this recipe! So good and I typically have most stuff at the house already. Shared it with my mother in law and she raved about it too! Super easy for a delicious comfort meal. @erinliveswhole

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/8 at 3:02 pm

      Hi Ashley, so happy you loved it!!

      Reply
  3. Gabby says

    Posted on 3/2 at 1:05 pm

    Made this with turkey instead for dinners for the week! Its delicious! Makes so much I ended up freezing half!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/2 at 2:13 pm

      Hi Gabby, so glad you loved it and great sub!

      Reply
  4. Becca says

    Posted on 2/21 at 2:32 pm

    This is a delicious meal! It made 3+ servings for both my husband and me so is a great recipe to make when you want leftovers or if you want something to freeze. We added some crushed red pepper flakes and topped it with ricotta. Erin’s recipes are always so easy and tasty, they never disappoint!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/21 at 3:06 pm

      Hi Becca, so happy you loved it and great additions!! 🙂

      Reply
  5. casey colodny says

    Posted on 2/15 at 2:10 pm

    SO authentic and SO good!!! taste like italy but easier 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/16 at 3:28 pm

      Hi Casey, so happy you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  6. Tracy says

    Posted on 2/13 at 8:37 pm

    Easy to make, delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/14 at 3:42 pm

      Hi Tracy, so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  7. Hannah N says

    Posted on 2/13 at 11:35 am

    This was so easy and delicious!! Love the addition of the wine and balsamic flavorings. Our friends loved it. Thank you Erin!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/14 at 3:40 pm

      Hi Hannah, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  8. Jackson says

    Posted on 2/12 at 8:18 pm

    Loved it!! Made quite a bit, so plan to freeze and save for another day.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/14 at 3:37 pm

      Hi Jackson, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  9. Mary Jean Breslin says

    Posted on 2/12 at 6:36 pm

    Absolutely delicious and so easy! Love this recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/14 at 3:37 pm

      Hi Mary Jean, so glad you loved it!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

erin in front of a building

Hey there!

I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

grocery lists

Shop My Grocery Downloads

Do you head to the grocery store and feel overwhelmed with all of the options? Well, I've created FIVE downloadable and printable grocery lists from five different and popular grocery stores. All of my absolute must haves from Whole Foods, Target, a regular grocer, Trader Joe's, and Costco!

Shop Now

Popular Posts

chickpea brownie on a tray

Chickpea Brownies

bite out of healthy cookie dough ball

Healthy Cookie Dough Balls

cauliflower wings on plate

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

pouring syrup on stack of oatmeal blender pancakes

Oatmeal Blender Pancakes

chocolate chip cookies

get my free top 8 desserts ebook!

A dessert lover’s heaven – six healthier sweet treats all made with six ingredients or less!

Download Now

Join my newsletter for latest recipes!

Trending Recipes

avocado corn salad

Avocado Corn Salad

cilantro lime shrimp on plate

Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice

paleo cookie skillet with ice cream

Healthy Cookie Skillet

banana bread muffin on a rack

Paleo Banana Bread Muffins

Featured On

good housekeeping logo
parade logo
feed feed logo
business insider logo
everyday health logo
country living logo
bar desserts
truffles
bar desserts
bar desserts
muffins
vanilla birthday cake with chocolate icing

Get latest updates To your inbox!

Back to Top
© 2023 Erin Lives Whole
  • Privacy Policy
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled