Slow-Simmered Beef and Pork Bolognese Sauce

Name: Slow-Simmered Beef and Pork Bolognese Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 125 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: About 6 cups sauce
Cuisine: Italian inspired
Ingredients: 500 g ground beef; 200 g ground pork; 2 whole onions; 2 cloves garlic; 2 whole carrots; 1 stalk celery; 800 g canned crushed tomatoes; 250 ml dry red wine; 200 ml milk; 4 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped basil

Ground beef and pork cook slowly with onion, carrot, celery, tomato, wine and milk into a rich sauce for pasta.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 2 hr 30 minMakes About 6 cups sauce

Jump to Recipe

Ground beef and pork cook slowly with onion, carrot, celery, tomato, wine and milk into a rich sauce for pasta. Let the meat brown before adding the liquids and give the tomatoes time to reduce. The wine should simmer before the milk goes in. Spoon over freshly cooked spaghetti, or prepare the sauce ahead and keep it cold until serving. Dice onion, carrot and celery; soften in oil 8 minutes and add garlic briefly. Add both ground meats and cook until no pink remains, breaking up clumps. Pour in wine and simmer 5 minutes, scraping browned bits. Add tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper; simmer gently uncovered about 90 minutes, stirring.

Slow-Simmered Beef and Pork Bolognese Sauce

How to tell when it is ready

Add milk and cook 15 minutes until rich and thick; scatter basil before serving.

Tips

Dice onion, carrot and celery.
Add both ground meats and cook until no pink remains, breaking up clumps.
Pour in wine and simmer 5 minutes, scraping browned bits.
Add tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper.

Troubleshooting

If watery, simmer uncovered longer.
If meat clumps, break it while browning before liquid goes in.

Substitutions

Use beef broth for wine in an alcohol-free variation.
Use another canned plain tomato with a similar weight.

Variations

Use more beef in place of pork for a beef-only version.
Add a little fresh basil at the table.

Serving suggestions

Spoon over spaghetti.
Top with grated parmesan.
Layer into lasagna.
Serve with a crisp green salad.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze portions; reheat until hot.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze portions; reheat until hot.

Food safety

Ground beef and pork should reach 71°C (160°F); chill sauce promptly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know slow-simmered beef and pork bolognese sauce is ready?

Add milk and cook 15 minutes until rich and thick; scatter basil before serving.

How should I store slow-simmered beef and pork bolognese sauce?

Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze portions; reheat until hot.

Spoon over spaghetti. Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze portions; reheat until hot.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Slow-Simmered Beef and Pork Bolognese Sauce