Mary berry classic bolognese sauce
Mary berry classic bolognese sauce is a delicious and hearty Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs, this savory sauce is perfect served over spaghetti or any other pasta of your choice.
Why people also love Mary berry classic bolognese sauce
People love Mary Berry’s classic bolognese sauce because it is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic and herbs creates a rich flavor that is both savory and satisfying. Adding Worcestershire sauce to the recipe gives it an extra depth of flavor that sets it apart from other bolognese sauces. Additionally, this dish can be easily customized by adding your own favorite ingredients such as mushrooms or peppers to make it even more delicious.
My grandmother always used to make bolognese sauce for Sunday dinners when I was growing up. She had a secret ingredient that she swore made all the difference – a pinch of cinnamon! When I asked her about it, she explained that it was a traditional spice used in many Italian meat dishes and gave the sauce a warm and comforting flavor. Now, every time I make bolognese sauce for my own family, I always add just a touch of cinnamon as an homage to my grandmother’s recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 500g lean minced beef
- 400g can of chopped tomatoes
- 150ml beef stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook until softened, about five minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Increase heat to high, add the minced beef and stir frequently until browned all over.
- Reduce heat to low; pour in canned tomatoes with their juice along with beef stock into the pan.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a pinch of sugar if desired.
- Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Worcestershire sauce towards the end of cooking time.
- Serve over spaghetti or any other pasta of your choice.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: Makes approximately six servings.
Equipment Needed:
- Large pan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Serving Suggestions:
This classic bolognese sauce can be served over spaghetti or any other pasta of your choice. You may also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Expert Tips & Tricks:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef and pork mince.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the canned tomatoes in a blender before adding them to the pan.
- This dish tastes even better when made ahead of time as it allows all flavors to meld together nicely.
Nutrition Information(per serving):
- Calories: 295
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein :26 g
Presentation:
Serve the bolognese sauce in a large bowl or platter, with spaghetti or any other pasta of your choice. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Variations and substitutions for Mary berry classic bolognese sauce:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the minced beef with vegetarian mince or finely chopped mushrooms.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the recipe for an extra kick of heat.
- Tomato-free: Replace the canned tomatoes with tomato sauce, passata, or even roasted red peppers blended into a puree.
- Wine substitution: If you don’t have any red wine on hand, substitute it with 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar mixed with 1/4 cup of water.
- Herb variation: For added flavor, add dried oregano and basil along with fresh thyme leaves to your liking.
- Gluten-free option : Use gluten free pasta instead of regular spaghetti
- Vegan Option: Substitute the minced beef with vegan mince or finely chopped mushrooms, and use a plant-based milk instead of whole milk. You can also skip the cheese topping or use a vegan alternative.
- Healthier option: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, and replace some of the meat with grated carrots, zucchini, or other vegetables to boost nutrition. Also consider using low-sodium canned tomatoes and reducing added salt in your recipe.
Recommendations and notices:
- Be sure to use a large pan or Dutch oven as this recipe makes quite a bit of sauce.
- For best results, cook the sauce on low heat for at least an hour to allow all the flavors to meld together nicely.
- If you find that your sauce is too thick, add more water or stock until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences – you can always add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- This dish tastes even better when made ahead of time and reheated before serving as it allows all flavors to meld together nicely.
- Store any leftover bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- When reheating the sauce, be sure to add a splash of water or stock as it can thicken in the fridge or freezer.
- If you want a more tomato-based flavor, consider using crushed tomatoes instead of chopped tomatoes.
- For added depth of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to your bolognese sauce while cooking.
- Serve with spaghetti or any other pasta shape you prefer and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired for an authentic Italian touch!
FAQ for Mary berry classic bolognese sauce
Yes, you can! Brown the meat on the stove first, then add it to your slow cooker along with all other ingredients. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
A dry red wine such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon works well in this recipe.
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that still tastes great in bolognese sauce.
Reheat it gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with a lid or plastic wrap and stir every 30 seconds to prevent hot spots.
Yes, you can! Allow the sauce to cool completely before putting it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Spaghetti is a classic choice, but you can also try other pasta shapes such as rigatoni or penne. Garlic bread and a green salad make great sides!
The prep time is about 15 minutes and cooking time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, so plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes total. However, the longer you cook the sauce on low heat, the better it will taste!