The Italian Sausage Bolognese is a robust dish that combines the rich, savory taste of ground Italian sausage with the depth of a classic Bolognese sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, combining fresh ingredients and traditional Italian seasonings to create a satisfying and comforting experience.
The Base Ingredients
Ground Italian sausage adds a unique and flavorful twist to the traditional Bolognese sauce. Whether mild or spicy, the sausage provides a rich, meaty base that is enhanced by the classic mirepoix of finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. These vegetables add sweetness and depth and help build the complex flavors characteristic of a good Bolognese.
Building the Flavor
The cooking begins by browning the Italian sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven with extra virgin olive oil. This step is crucial as it helps to develop the sausage’s deep, rich flavor. Once browned, the sausage is set aside, and the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery are sautéed in the same pot, absorbing all the delicious sausage drippings. Adding minced garlic towards the end of the sautéing process ensures that its aroma and flavor are perfectly incorporated without burning.
Red wine is poured to deglaze the pot and add another layer of complexity while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. After the wine reduces slightly, a can of crushed tomatoes and a quarter cup of tomato paste are added, providing the sauce with its rich, tomatoey base.
Herbs and Spices
Freshly chopped oregano and basil are stirred into the mixture, along with two bay leaves, which are allowed to simmer with the sauce, releasing their subtle yet aromatic flavors. These herbs are essential in achieving the traditional Italian taste, with the bay leaves adding a hint of earthiness.
Creamy Finish
Half a cup of heavy cream is stirred in towards the end of the cooking process to add a luxurious, creamy texture to the sauce. This tempers the tomatoes’ acidity and enhances the sauce’s overall richness, making it velvety smooth and indulgent.
While the sauce simmers and the flavors meld, the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection. Tagliatelle, rotini, or spaghetti are excellent choices for this dish, as their shapes and textures hold the sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful. The pasta is served separately, with the sauce ladled generously over the top. This method allows diners to enjoy the perfect balance of pasta and sauce in each bite.
To finish, the dish is topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding a salty, nutty flavor that complements the rich sauce. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the dish.
The Italian Sausage Bolognese celebrates Italian flavors, combining the heartiness of sausage with the traditional components of a Bolognese sauce. It is perfect for any occasion, whether a casual family dinner or a special gathering with friends, offering a comforting and delicious taste of Italy.
Italian Sausage Bolognese
4
servings30
minutes1
hour30
minutes2
hoursItalian Sausage Bolognese is a rich and savory dish that combines the robust flavors of ground Italian sausage with a classic Bolognese sauce, enhanced by fresh herbs and a touch of cream. Served over al dente pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound ground Italian sausage
16 ounces pasta noodles (such as tagliatelle, rotini, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 large carrots, finely chopped
2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup red wine
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon oregano, freshly chopped
1 tablespoon basil, freshly chopped
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup heavy cream
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for garnish, freshly chopped parsley
for garnish, grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Cook the Sausage:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Deglaze with Red Wine:
Pour in the red wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and bay leaves. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and mix well. Bring the sauce to a simmer. - Simmer the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together. - Finish with Cream:
Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. - Cook the Pasta:
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. - Serve:
Divide the cooked pasta among serving plates. Ladle the Italian sausage Bolognese sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Suggested Recipes:
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Italian Sausage and Asparagus Risotto. This dish combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with tender asparagus and creamy Arborio rice, creating a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Experience the vibrant flavors of Grilled Sausage and Summer Squash Salad. Juicy grilled sausages are paired with fresh summer squash, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette, offering a light and refreshing meal ideal for warm-weather dining.