Authentic Bolognese Sauce 🍲

Sharing is caring!

Today, I'm bringing you a taste of Italy with an absolutely delicious recipe for Authentic Bolognese Sauce. But guess what? This one's not just any random sauce—it's low carb and gluten-free, making it a perfect fit for those looking to enjoy Bolognese meat sauce!

This hearty and savory sauce is a classic in Italian cuisine, known for its rich taste and tender texture. Made with a combination of shredded carrots, onions, shallots, celery, and savory meat simmered to perfection, it is the perfect companion to your favorite pasta dishes.

This Authentic Bolognese Sauce Recipe Is: Low Carb and Gluten Free

Authentic-Bolognese-Sauce-featured-image

Table of Contents

5 Reasons to Love This Recipe

Here are some fantastic reasons why you'll love this recipe:

  1. All-day recipe reduced to 1 hour!
  2. Low carb presentation with zoodles!
  3. One pan preparation!
  4. Layer upon layer of flavor.
  5. Thick, rich sauce that is very comforting and filling

Is Authentic Bolognese Sauce Low-Carb?

Yes, Bolognese sauce is low in carbs, with under 4g per serving, making it great for low carb and keto diets. You can lower the carbs by changing onions to something else, using lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar, and more. It's a perfect choice for a low carb or keto diet.

Authentic Bolognese Sauce Ingredient List

To make this recipe for authentic Italian Bolognese sauce, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the ground beef:

  • 1 pound ground chuck
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon granulated onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the ground pork:

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

For the Bolognese sauce:

  • ½ cup beef stock
  • 1 14.5 ounces can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 carrot, peeled & shredded
  • 2 celery stalks, washed & shredded
  • ½ onion, (Spanish), peeled & shredded
  • 1 shallot, peeled & shredded
  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • ¼ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 bay leaf
Bolognese-sauce-served-over-zucchini-noodles-with-a-glass-of-wine-in-the-background

Ingredient Substitutions

Missing out on any of the ingredients above? Try these easy substitutions:

  • Ground beef and pork: You can opt for all ground beef or pork or swap with ground chicken or turkey.
  • Olive oil: Substitute with clarified butter , ghee or MCT oil for a different flavor profile.
  • Fire roasted tomatoes: Regular canned diced tomatoes will work fine if you don't have fire roasted tomatoes. To add depth, sprinkle in a pinch of smoked paprika.
  • Balsamic vinegar: Do you lack balsamic vinegar? Try apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice instead.
  • Dried herbs: If you prefer fresh herbs, use them instead of dried ones. The ratio is approximately 3 parts fresh herbs to 1 part dried herbs.

Additional Ingredients

Enhance the flavor of this American meat sauce by adding these optional ingredients:

  • Veggies: Add chopped mushrooms, red bell peppers, or zucchini (seeds removed) for flavor and nutrition.
  • Proteins: Use ground chicken or turkey with added butter for richness. Add bacon bits for extra flavor.
  • Dairy: Enhance richness by simmering with a Parmesan cheese rind. Stir in fresh ricotta cheese before serving for a creamy finish.

Note: Optional ingredients are just there to enhance the flavor profile; they are not part of the original recipe.

Cooking Tools Required

To make this traditional Bolognese recipe, you will need the following cooking tools:

Overhead-image-of-Authentic-Bolognese-Sauce-served-over-zucchini-noodles

How to Make Authentic Bolognese Sauce: Complete Cooking Guide

Cooking Methods

  • Simmering

Preparation Steps

  1. Gather all the ingredients and tools required for this recipe.
  2. Peel and shred carrots, celery stalks, onions, and shallots.
  3. Thinly slice garlic cloves.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Using a Dutch oven or other large, heavy bottom pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef when the oil shimmers. Break up and stir for 2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients in the beef section. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the beef has browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Add the ground pork. Break up and add the remaining ingredients in the pork section. Cook for another 5-6 minutes or until lightly browned.
  3. Add the shredded carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
  4. Increase the heat to high. Add in the red wine. Reduce until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, anchovy paste, bay leaf, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 30 minutes to an hour.
  6. Add in the cream and stir. Simmer for 10 minutes. Taste the sauce, adjust the seasonings, and taste again.
  7. Add the beef back in when all the other ingredients are cooked, and it is time to combine everything.
  8. Serve hot over fresh zoodles, noodles, or polenta. Enjoy and happy eating!
Step-by-step-cooking-instruction-of-making-authentic-Bolognese-sauce

Step 1: Use the shredding attachment for your food processor. It is easier than chopping everything by hand for this recipe and makes for a more supple sauce.

Step-by-step-cooking-instruction-of-making-authentic-Bolognese-sauce

Step 2: Simmering builds the flavor in a bolognese sauce. If you plan on cooking the recipe longer than an hour, extend the simmer before the cream is added.

Step-by-step-cooking-instruction-of-making-authentic-Bolognese-sauce

Step 3: Add the cream and stir immediately. You will see the color lighten immediately, but it will darken after a few minutes.

💡 My Pro Tip

Shredding veggies intensifies flavors! Use a box grater or food processor shredding blade to increase surface area, enhancing flavor integration and sauce thickness rapidly. This technique quickly infuses your Bolognese with incredible depth.

⏲️ Time-Saving Tips

  • Swap the box grater for a food processor equipped with a shredding blade to slash prep time.
  • Speed things up using jarred minced garlic and your favorite store-bought Italian seasoning mix.
  • Maximize efficiency by doubling the recipe and freezing extra batches for easy dinners on busy days.

What to Serve With Bolognese Sauce?

Bolognese sauce goes well with a variety of dishes. Here are some low-carb food pairings for this recipe:

  • Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Make Bolognese pasta by pairing this delicious meat sauce and zoodles. It's a staple in my kitchen!
  • Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus, with its smoky charred flavor, offers a delightful contrast to the richness of Bolognese meat sauce, providing a light and refreshing side dish.
  • Cauliflower Puree: Creamy cauliflower puree serves as a velvety canvas for the robust flavors of this chunky sauce, creating a luxurious pairing.
  • Spiralized Asian Carrot Salad: The Spiralized Asian carrot salad makes for an ideal companion to this delicious sauce, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
  • French Haricot Verts: You can pair French Haricot verts with my Italian meat sauce for a sophisticated twist on your meal.
Authentic-Bolognese-Sauce-collage-image

Storage and Reheating the Tips

Storage Tips:

  • Once cooled to room temperature, store Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Freeze nearing the end of the week to prolong freshness.

Freezing Tips:

  • Portion cooled Bolognese sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

  • Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a tablespoon or two of water until the desired consistency is reached.
  • In the microwave, use a microwave-safe container with a lid. Heat on high for 2 minutes, stir, and heat another 1-2 minutes until warmed. (Low heat in a saucepan: 2-3 minutes, stirring. Microwave: 2 minutes, stir, 1-2 minutes).

Recipe Conclusion

Now that you have this Authentic Bolognese sauce recipe in your cooking toolkit, it's time to jump into a world of flavor and fun with Italian dishes! Make a batch of this tasty Italian sauce, and let your sense of taste go on a yummy adventure. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe will surely impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, start up the stove, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade meat sauce. Try this recipe today, and let me know how it turns out. You can join in the conversation and see more pictures and stuff on Facebook and Instagram. Let's explore food together.

More Sauce Recipes:

Craving for more similar delicious recipes? Try these options:

FAQs

Authentic Bolognese sauce is a rich, meat-based pasta sauce originating from Bologna, Italy, typically made with ground meat, onions, celery, carrots, tomatoes, and a touch of milk or cream.

Yes, traditional Bolognese sauce has tomatoes, usually canned, diced, or in the paste form. They add depth of flavor and richness to the sauce.

Authentic-Bolognese-Sauce-featured-image

Authentic Bolognese Sauce 🍲

This hearty and savory sauce is a classic in Italian cuisine, known for its rich taste and tender texture. Made with a combination of shredded carrots, onions, shallots, celery, and savory meat simmered to perfection, it is the perfect companion to your favorite pasta dishes.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Authentic Bolognese Sauce, authentic italian bolognese sauce, recipe for authentic italian bolognese sauce, traditional bolognese recipe, what is authentic bolognese sauce
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 435kcal
Author: Scott Groth

Ingredients

Authentic Bolognese Sauce Ingredient List

For the ground beef:

  • 1 pound ground chuck
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon granulated onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the ground pork:

  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

For the Bolognese sauce:

  • 1 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 carrot peeled & shredded
  • 2 celery stalks washed & shredded
  • ½ onion (Spanish), peeled & shredded
  • 1 shallot peeled & shredded
  • 4 garlic cloves sliced thin
  • ½ cup beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • ¼ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Gather all the ingredients and tools required for this recipe.
  • Peel and shred carrots, celery stalks, onions, and shallots.
  • Thinly slice garlic cloves.

Cooking Instructions

  • Using a Dutch oven or other large, heavy bottom pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef when the oil shimmers. Break up and stir for 2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients in the beef section. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the beef has browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Add the ground pork. Break up and add the remaining ingredients in the pork section. Cook for another 5-6 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • Add the shredded carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to high. Add in the red wine. Reduce until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Reduce the heat to low. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, anchovy paste, bay leaf, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Add in the cream and stir. Simmer for 10 minutes. Taste the sauce, adjust the seasonings, and taste again.
  • Add the beef back in when all the other ingredients are cooked, and it is time to combine everything.
  • Serve hot over fresh zoodles, noodles, or polenta. Enjoy and happy eating!

Notes

NOTE: The overall net carb count does not include the Substitute and Additional  Ingredients.
If you're a fan of this recipe, I'd love to hear from you! Got any tips to make it lower in carbs? Please leave a comment below! Have a fantastic day cooking!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Authentic Bolognese Sauce 🍲
Amount Per Serving (1 portion)
Calories 435 Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
Fat 36g55%
Saturated Fat 16g80%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 14g
Cholesterol 115mg38%
Sodium 761mg32%
Potassium 502mg14%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 22g44%
Vitamin A 1861IU37%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 63mg6%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”

Recent Low Carb Recipes:

Grilled pollo asado served with a creamy slaw on a black plate, garnished with cilantro on a wooden board.

Pollo Asado (Mexican Grilled Chicken)

This Pollo Asado (Mexican Grilled Chicken) recipe is packed with flavor and comes out perfectly juicy every time. It’s one of those recipes I keep on rotation—easy to prep, great for meal planning, and seriously satisfying.

Read More »
Four glasses of chia seed protein pudding topped with whipped cream and blueberries, arranged on a wooden surface with vintage spoons.

Chia Seed Protein Pudding

This Chia Seed Protein Pudding has become a staple at my house. It’s packed with real ingredients and has a flavor that works for breakfast or dessert. My son eats it daily—and I’m not mad about it.

Read More »
A single glass mug of Mexican coffee with a thick foam layer, placed on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and coffee beans scattered around.

Keto Mexican Coffee Recipe ☕

My Mexican Coffee recipe is a spiced, frothy treat that’s ready in minutes. With a touch of cinnamon and a hint of chocolate, it’s the perfect way to start your day or wind down after a meal. No fancy equipment needed—just bold flavors and a creamy finish.

Read More »

Is it low carb? Learn more about it:

Sharing is caring!

17 Responses

  1. Pingback: Authentic Bolognese Sauce - Yum Goggle
  2. 5 stars
    I'm so happy you shared this recipe! It looks delicious.

    The first time I made authentic bolognese was during my culinary program. I had no idea that cream was added until then, and loved it.

    I unfortunately lost the recipe from the program, so I'll be bookmarking your's to make sometime soon!

    1. Hi Michelle:
      Thank you for posting.
      Did you try the recipe? How was it?
      Have a great day in the kitchen!
      Scott

    1. Hi Casey:
      I love it on my zoodles, I think it's delightful.
      Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts.
      Happy eating!
      Scott

  3. 5 stars
    So good. I would make it again in a heartbeat as well. The last bolognese I made took all day and didn't taste nearly as good as this.

    1. Hi Sam:
      It is delicious, indeed. Thank you for your appreciation.
      Have a wonderful day in the kitchen!
      Scott

  4. In the picture of the simmering process I see a fresh Bay leaf, but in the recipe you don't see it anywhere? Did you forget to put it in the instructions? If so how many Bay leaves do you use?

    1. Hi Beckey:

      You're right! I did not put that into the recipe (which I just corrected). There is one bay leaf in there. Although that looks like a fresh bay leaf, I actually picked it a year earlier from a tree in France. For some reason it just stayed a little more green than the others.
      Thanks so much and have a great day in the kitchen-
      Scott

  5. When do you add the beef back in? It says to remove from the pan before moving on to the pork, but doesn't say when to add it back in. Looking forward to making this!

    1. Hey Stacy:
      Add the beef back in when all the other ingredients are cooked and it is time to combine all the ingredients back together. We will go in and update the recipe- thanks for noticing!!
      Have a wonderful day in the kitchen!
      Scott

    1. Hi Ewen,

      So happy to hear that. Have you tried any other recipes that I've made?
      Thank you for sharing. Have a marvelous day!
      Scott

  6. I have made this dish over and over for a few years now. It is my go to recipe when I want something delicious and don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Anytime I have friends over, they want me to make this dish. Thank you...thank you...thank you!

  7. 5 stars
    Made this Bolognese sauce again today, and it’s just as amazing every time. Could you suggest a good side salad?

5 from 6 votes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Scott Groth image for I'd Rather Be A Chef

I'm Scott, just a regular guy who has experienced amazing benefits from embracing a low carb (occasionally keto) lifestyle. Join me as I share low carb recipes that are family friendly, delicious and fun to eat.

Discover more about me in my Bio, explore whether my Low Carb Journey resonates with you, and if you also believe we are stronger together, then sign up for my LOW CARB NEWSLETTER.

As Seen On:

As seen on healthline, men's journal, greatist, buzzfeed, nom nom network, djfoodie, brit+co, goodnet