Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta

Let me just say it—Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta is a love letter to comfort food. The Bolognese sauce is slow-cooked to perfection, with layers of rich flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. This isn’t your average tomato sauce; we’re talking about a deeply savory, meaty sauce with a perfect balance of wine, milk, and fresh herbs. And when paired with the uniquely shaped Gigli pasta? It’s a match made in heaven. The pasta holds all that delicious sauce in every little fold, creating a bite that’s just pure bliss.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish is a game-changer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at Bolognese the same way again. Get ready for a mouthwatering experience that’s rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta

Deep Flavor: This sauce is all about slow, layered flavors. From the aromatic vegetables to the wine and herbs, every step enhances the depth of taste. It’s a sauce that you can truly savor.

Perfectly Tender Meat: The beef and pork in this Bolognese break down during the slow cook, becoming incredibly tender and creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Unique Pasta Pairing: Gigli pasta, with its delicate, ruffled edges, is ideal for holding onto the sauce. It’s a step above your regular spaghetti and makes the dish feel even more special.

Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s just something about pasta and a hearty meat sauce that feels like home. This dish is perfect for any occasion that calls for something warm and satisfying.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bolognese sauce actually tastes better the next day, which means this dish is perfect for meal prep or making ahead for an easy dinner.

Ingredients in Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta

Ground Beef & Ground Pork

The combination of beef and pork creates a rich, flavorful base for the sauce. The beef brings the savory depth, while the pork adds a touch of sweetness.

Onion, Carrot, and Celery

These classic aromatics are the heart of the sauce. They bring freshness and flavor that develops beautifully as the sauce simmers.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds a savory punch that elevates the sauce even further. You’ll want to sauté it until fragrant to bring out all its delicious flavor.

Tomatoes & Tomato Paste

Crushed tomatoes form the backbone of the sauce, while tomato paste intensifies the flavor and gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture.

Red Wine

A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot adds complexity and deepens the sauce’s flavor. It also helps tenderize the meat while giving the sauce a little acidity.

Milk or Cream

Adding a bit of milk or cream softens the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the sauce, giving it that smooth, comforting finish.

Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Bay Leaves, Basil, or Oregano)

Herbs are the secret to a truly flavorful Bolognese. They add a fresh, aromatic note that balances out the richness of the meat.

Olive Oil

For sautéing the veggies and meat. It adds a subtle richness that helps build the flavor from the very beginning.

Salt & Pepper

The essential seasonings to bring everything together. Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust as needed!

Gigli Pasta

The pasta is key to making this dish extra special. Gigli is a ruffled pasta shape that holds onto the sauce like a dream, providing a unique texture that pairs perfectly with the Bolognese.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, browning it evenly. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the meat is browned and no longer pink.

Add the Tomato Paste and Wine

Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to deepen in color. Then, pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing it slightly.

Add the Tomatoes, Milk, and Herbs

Once the wine has reduced, add the crushed tomatoes, milk (or cream), thyme, bay leaves, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, bringing it to a simmer.

Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper and more complex the flavors will become. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Cook the Gigli Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the Gigli pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. Make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when you toss it with the sauce.

Combine and Serve

Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it directly to the pot with the Bolognese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, letting the sauce cling to every ruffle of the Gigli. Serve the pasta hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of richness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~650-700 calories (depending on portion size and toppings)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta

With Parmesan: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty touch to the dish.

With Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a side of crusty bread for dipping into that rich Bolognese sauce. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit.

With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a nice, fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Pair with Red Wine: This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine, like the one you used in the sauce. It’s the perfect complement to the deep flavors of the Bolognese.

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead Tip: The Bolognese sauce gets better the longer it sits, so feel free to make it a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Freeze the Sauce: The Bolognese sauce freezes wonderfully! Make a double batch and store the extra sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw and reheat.

Adjust the Milk: If you prefer a creamier Bolognese, feel free to add more milk or cream to taste. If you like it on the leaner side, skip the milk and use just the tomatoes.

Use Other Pasta Shapes: While Gigli is a fantastic choice, you can swap it out for any pasta shape you prefer, like pappardelle, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this with just ground beef?
A1: Absolutely! While the mix of beef and pork creates a richer flavor, ground beef alone will still make a delicious sauce.

Q2: How can I make this dish spicier?
A2: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers, or stir in a little spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Definitely! While Gigli is a great choice, feel free to use whatever pasta shape you have on hand, like spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni.

Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go.

Q5: Can I freeze the Bolognese sauce?
A5: Yes! The Bolognese sauce freezes well. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q7: Can I make this sauce without wine?
A7: Yes, you can substitute the wine with additional beef broth or water, though the flavor won’t be as rich. You can add a splash of vinegar for acidity if you’d like.

Q8: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A8: For a dairy-free version, skip the milk/cream and Parmesan, and use dairy-free pasta options and non-dairy milk (like almond milk) if desired.

Q9: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A9: Yes! Canned crushed tomatoes are perfect for this sauce, and they’ll save you time without sacrificing flavor.

Q10: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A10: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste to give it more body.

Conclusion

Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to impress. With its rich, savory sauce and unique pasta pairing, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, it’s a dish that will leave everyone satisfied and asking for seconds. So grab your pot, pour yourself a glass of wine,

and get ready to indulge in a hearty, flavorful meal that’s a true crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!

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