Minced Beef Bolognese

A rich and hearty sauce that’s the epitome of traditional Italian cooking. This recipe combines tender beef mince with a robust tomato base, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of herbs. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal, this Bolognese is a versatile favourite that pairs wonderfully with pasta, forms a delicious layer in lasagne, or adds a gourmet touch to a baked potato. Follow this easy-to-make recipe for a dish that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS

500g beef mince
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato purée
200ml red wine
400g can chopped tomatoes
1 beef stock cube, dissolved in 200ml hot water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

METHOD

Preparation of Ingredients: Prepare all your vegetables by washing, peeling, and dicing them. Chop the garlic cloves.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they are soft and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Browning the Mince: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef mince, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the mince is thoroughly browned, which should take about 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Adding Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the tomato purée, and cook for a minute. Pour in the red wine, and allow it to simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. Add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmering: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavours will concentrate.
Final Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving.

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Hot Tips for Time Management:

Mise en Place: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking can significantly streamline the cooking process.
Simultaneous Tasks: While the sauce is simmering, you can use that time to prepare any sides or accompaniments, such as boiling pasta or preparing a salad.
Batch Cooking: If you're making a large batch, the sauce freezes well, so you can save time in the future by reheating the Bolognese for a quick meal.

Remember, the longer the Bolognese simmers, the more developed and richer the flavours will be, so feel free to extend the simmering time if you're not in a rush.

Sides:

Pasta: Spaghetti or tagliatelle is traditional, but any pasta that holds sauce well, such as penne or rigatoni, works great.
Garlic Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the rich sauce.
Salad: A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the Bolognese.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like peppers, courgette, or aubergine can add a nice textural contrast and additional layers of flavour to the meal.
Polenta: Creamy polenta is a comforting alternative to pasta and pairs wonderfully with the robust flavours of Bolognese.

Matches:

Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top of the Bolognese adds a salty, umami-rich finish.
Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can add a burst of freshness to the dish right before serving.

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Preparation Time: Chopping Vegetables: Approximately 10-15 minutes for washing, peeling, and finely dicing the onions, carrots, and celery, as well as mincing the garlic. Measuring Ingredients: Around 5 minutes to measure out the tomato purée, wine, chopped tomatoes, beef stock, and herbs. In total, the preparation time is about 15-20 minutes, depending on your speed and efficiency in the kitchen.

Cooking Time: Sautéing Vegetables: About 5-7 minutes to cook the onions, carrots, and celery until soft. Browning the Mince: Around 10 minutes to thoroughly brown the beef mince. Adding Liquids and Simmering: After adding the wine, tomatoes, and stock, the sauce should simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour to develop the flavours and achieve the right consistency. The total cooking time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Hot Tips

For a richer flavour, allow the Bolognese to simmer slowly for a longer period.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Adding a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Pairings

Alcoholic Pairings:

Red Wine: A classic choice is a medium to full-bodied red wine. Options include:
- Chianti: Its acidity and fruity notes balance the richness of the Bolognese.
- Merlot: Offers a smoother, plummy profile that complements the meaty sauce.
- Sangiovese: The high acidity and tannin content cut through the richness of the dish.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A bolder choice that pairs well with the beefy flavours.
Beer:
- A malty, medium-bodied lager or a dark ale can stand up to the rich flavours without overpowering them.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings:

Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water with a wedge of lemon or lime can cleanse the palate between bites, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
Tomato Juice: Rich and savoury, tomato juice complements the tomato-based sauce, enhancing the umami flavours in the dish.
Grape Juice: Choose a dark grape juice for a non-alcoholic option that mimics the body and complexity of red wine.
Herbal or Citrus Teas: A chilled herbal or citrus tea can provide a light, refreshing counterbalance to the hearty Bolognese.