Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Il Fornaio Sacramento›Bolognese Recipe

Bolognese Recipe

Inspired by Il Fornaio Sacramento
Time1h 30m
Serves4

traditional meat ragu | grana padano

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Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

Liquids and Seasonings

Finishing Touches

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Sauté Vegetables

    In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

  2. 2

    Brown the Meat

    Add the ground beef and ground pork to the saucepan. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add Wine

    Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

  4. 4

    Incorporate Tomatoes

    Stir in the crushed canned tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

  5. 5

    Season the Sauce

    Add salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Cooking

  1. 6

    Simmer the Ragu

    Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth.

Finishing Touches

  1. 7

    Serve

    Once the sauce has thickened and flavors have developed, remove the bay leaf. Serve the Bolognese over pasta of your choice and top with grated Grana Padano cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

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