Bolognese sauce is one of the most loved pasta sauces in the world. Rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful, this Italian classic has evolved into many variations across kitchens and cultures.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping, or experimenting with new flavors, these 16 Bolognese sauce recipes will give you endless inspiration.
What Is Bolognese Sauce?
Bolognese sauce (Ragù alla Bolognese) originated in Bologna, Italy. Traditionally, it’s a slow-cooked meat sauce made with minced beef, vegetables, tomatoes, milk, and wine. Over time, home cooks around the world have adapted it using different meats, vegetables, and dietary preferences.
1. Classic Italian Beef Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion, carrot, celery (finely chopped)
- Ground beef
- Tomato paste
- Crushed tomatoes
- Milk
- Dry white wine
- Salt, pepper
Instructions
Heat olive oil and sauté vegetables until soft. Add beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, deglaze with wine, then add tomatoes and milk. Simmer on low heat for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with tagliatelle.
2. Traditional Slow-Cooked Bolognese
This version focuses on patience and depth.
Ingredients
- Ground beef and pork
- Onion, carrot, celery
- Tomato paste
- Whole milk
- White wine
Instructions
Cook vegetables slowly, add meats, then milk. Let it evaporate before adding wine and tomato paste. Simmer gently for up to 3 hours for a rich, velvety sauce.
3. Quick Weeknight Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Garlic and onion
- Canned tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
Brown beef with garlic and onion. Add tomatoes and seasoning. Simmer for 25–30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings.
4. Pork Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Ground pork
- Onion, garlic
- Tomato puree
- Cream or milk
Instructions
Cook pork until golden, add aromatics and tomato puree. Finish with cream for a silky texture. Ideal with wide pasta.
5. Chicken Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Olive oil
- Onion, carrot
- Tomatoes
Instructions
Sauté vegetables, add chicken, then tomatoes. Simmer for 40 minutes. Lighter than beef but still satisfying.
6. Turkey Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Garlic, onion
- Tomato sauce
- Herbs
Instructions
Cook turkey until browned, add aromatics and sauce. Simmer for 45 minutes. A lean and healthy alternative.
7. Lamb Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Ground lamb
- Onion, rosemary
- Tomatoes
- Red wine
Instructions
Brown lamb, add herbs and wine, then tomatoes. Simmer until rich and aromatic. Best paired with pappardelle.
8. Vegetarian Lentil Bolognese
Ingredients
- Red lentils
- Onion, carrot, celery
- Tomatoes
- Vegetable stock
Instructions
Cook vegetables, add lentils and tomatoes with stock. Simmer until the lentils are tender. Hearty and protein-packed.
9. Mushroom Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Finely chopped mushrooms
- Onion, garlic
- Tomato paste
- Olive oil
Instructions
Cook mushrooms until deeply browned, add aromatics and tomato paste. Simmer gently for a meaty texture without meat.
10. Vegan Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Soy mince or lentils
- Onion, garlic
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
Instructions
Sauté onion and garlic, add plant-based protein and tomatoes. Simmer for 40 minutes. 100% dairy-free and delicious.
11. Creamy Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion, garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Heavy cream
Instructions
Prepare classic Bolognese, then stir in cream at the end. Rich, smooth, and comforting.
12. Spicy Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Chili flakes
- Garlic, onion
- Tomatoes
Instructions
Cook beef with garlic and chili flakes, add tomatoes, and simmer. Perfect for spice lovers.
13. Red Wine Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Beef and pork mix
- Onion, carrot
- Tomato paste
- Red wine
Instructions
Deglaze browned meat with red wine before adding tomatoes. Simmer slowly for bold, deep flavor.
14. White Bolognese Sauce (No Tomatoes)
Ingredients
- Ground pork or beef
- Onion, garlic
- Milk
- White wine
Instructions
Cook the meat with the onion, deglaze with wine, then add milk. Simmer until creamy. A unique Italian classic.
15. Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion, carrot, celery
- Tomatoes
Instructions
Brown meat and vegetables, transfer to slow cooker with tomatoes. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
16. Bolognese Sauce for Lasagna
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion, garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Milk
Instructions
Cook a thick Bolognese sauce and use it as layers between pasta sheets and béchamel for the perfect lasagna.
Tips for Perfect Bolognese Sauce
- Always cook on low heat for the best flavor
- Use milk or cream to balance acidity
- Wide pasta works best with thick Bolognese
- Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end
Final Thoughts
These 16 Bolognese sauce recipes prove that one classic dish can have endless variations. From authentic Italian methods to modern vegetarian and healthy options, there’s a Bolognese sauce for every taste and lifestyle.
