If you’re craving a comforting, rich pasta sauce that comes together quickly and satisfies everyone at the table, this Weeknight Bolognese Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a perfect balance of savory ground sirloin, bold spices, and the creamy finish of parmesan and heavy cream—all simmered with crushed tomatoes and a splash of red wine to build deep, layered flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this sauce brings hearty warmth without the fuss, making it an absolute staple in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the backbone of this Weeknight Bolognese Recipe. Each one adds essential depth, balance, and texture—whether it’s the garlic’s aromatic punch, the richness of heavy cream, or the bright acidity of crushed tomatoes.
- Ground sirloin: Provides a lean, meaty base with rich flavor that holds up beautifully to simmering.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Brings aromatic warmth that wakes up the sauce right at the start.
- Dried oregano: Adds an herby earthiness that complements the tomato and meat.
- Onion powder: Offers subtle sweetness and depth without needing fresh onions.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just enough gentle heat to balance the richness.
- Dry red wine: Lifts the sauce with acidity and complexity while deglazing the pan.
- Crushed tomatoes (28-oz can): Creates a vibrant, saucy foundation packed with natural sweetness and acidity.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for richness and thickness.
- Sugar: Harmonizes the acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce sweet.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor, ensuring the sauce sings with savory goodness.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle spice and warmth.
- Heavy cream: Finishes the sauce with creamy, silky texture for that luscious mouthfeel.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Imparts umami richness and a delightful salty tang.
- Pasta (12-oz, cooked and drained): Your vehicle to soak up all that saucy goodness.
How to Make Weeknight Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat and Start the Sauce
Begin by heating a Dutch Oven over medium-high heat and cook the ground sirloin until it’s browned and delicious, then drain the fat to keep the sauce from being greasy. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just a minute to coax out its full flavor without burning. Stir in tomato paste, which will deepen that rich tomato taste, cooking briefly to toast its flavors.
Step 2: Add Red Wine and Build Flavor
Pour in the dry red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape all those tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pot. This step is key for extra depth—it’s the magic that elevates this sauce beyond basic marinara.
Step 3: Incorporate Spices and Tomatoes
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and then pour in crushed tomatoes for that vibrant redness. Add sugar, salt, and black pepper to balance the acidity and season perfectly. Give everything a good stir—you’re creating a symphony of flavors here.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmer allows all the ingredients to marry and thicken, concentrating the flavors into something irresistible.
Step 5: Cream and Cheese Finish
Now, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. This final addition softens the acidity and transforms the sauce into luxuriously creamy perfection. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beautifully thick and dreamy.
Step 6: Toss with Pasta and Serve
Toss your cooked and drained pasta right into the sauce, ensuring every strand or piece is thoroughly coated in that glorious, velvety Bolognese. Serve immediately with extra parmesan if you like. This is the moment to savor that first bite!
How to Serve Weeknight Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this Weeknight Bolognese Recipe from good to unforgettable. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley to add a pop of freshness and color. A little extra grated parmesan cheese on top completes the presentation and boosts the umami punch.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty Bolognese with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce, adding texture and comfort. Roasted vegetables such as zucchini or asparagus also complement it beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the Bolognese over polenta or creamy mashed potatoes for a rustic twist. You can also stuff it into bell peppers and bake for a fun family-style meal, or layer it in a casserole with mozzarella for a killer baked pasta dish. The possibilities are endless when this sauce is involved!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Weeknight Bolognese Recipe keeps wonderfully well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Flavors continue to meld, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
To keep this sauce longer, freeze it in portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months. This way, you have a delicious homemade sauce ready whenever weeknights get busy.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up. This helps preserve the creamy texture without drying out the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey, pork, or a mix can work just as well. Just keep an eye on cooking times and fat content to maintain the sauce’s richness.
Is it necessary to add wine?
While wine adds wonderful depth and complexity, you can skip it if you prefer. Substitute with beef broth or extra crushed tomatoes for a similar effect.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils for a hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of wine for a fully vegetarian-friendly version.
What kind of pasta pairs best with this Bolognese?
Traditional choices include tagliatelle or pappardelle, but any pasta shape that holds sauce well—like rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti—works beautifully.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild kick that balances the richness without overpowering. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Weeknight Bolognese Recipe is a true gem for anyone craving a soulful, straightforward meal that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and the promise of comfort. It’s quick enough for a busy evening but rich enough to feel like a special occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular part of your dinner rotation!
Print
Weeknight Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Weeknight Bolognese is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired meat sauce that comes together quickly, perfect for busy evenings. Ground sirloin is cooked with garlic, herbs, red wine, and crushed tomatoes, then simmered to develop rich flavors. Finished with creamy parmesan and heavy cream, this sauce is served over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground sirloin
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp sugar
Liquids and Sauces
- ¾ cup dry red wine
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup heavy cream
Cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta, cooked and drained
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground sirloin until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce rich but not greasy.
- Sauté garlic and tomato paste: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for one minute to release its aroma. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 30 seconds to deepen its flavor.
- Deglaze with red wine: Pour in the dry red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, incorporating all the flavorful residue into the sauce.
- Add spices and tomatoes: Mix in the oregano, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become creamy.
- Combine with pasta: Toss the cooked and drained pasta with the Bolognese sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and serve with additional parmesan cheese if desired for an extra savory touch.
Notes
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even cooking and ease of deglazing.
- Dry red wine adds depth, but you can substitute with beef broth if preferred.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to suit your desired level of spiciness.
- For a leaner version, substitute ground sirloin with ground turkey or chicken.
- This sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
