Name: Beef Bolognese with Linguine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400g (14 oz) linguine pasta; 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, diced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving; Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Hey y’all! If you’re craving a soul-warming, savory meal that’s perfect for family dinners, special nights, or just a cozy evening at home, this Beef Bolognese with Linguine is a must-try. The slow-simmered, rich tomato sauce hugs every strand of al dente Linguine, while tender beef melds with aromatic veggies for the ultimate Italian comfort food. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Bolognese with Linguine

Hearty and savory flavors the whole family will adore.
Perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later.
Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
Ready in just over an hour but tastes like it simmered all day.
Pairs beautifully with a crisp salad and a glass of red wine.

Ingredients for Beef Bolognese with Linguine

1 pound (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry red wine
28 ounces (800g) canned crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup whole milk
12 ounces (340g) linguine pasta
Fresh basil and grated Parmesan for serving

How to Make Beef Bolognese with Linguine

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until the veggies are soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 7–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, drain it off.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Milk for Creaminess

Stir in the milk and continue to simmer the Beef Bolognese sauce for another 10 minutes. The milk gives the sauce a silky, rich texture.

Step 5: Cook Linguine

While the Bolognese simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10–11 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss together, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.

Notes for a Perfect Beef Bolognese with Linguine

Use full-fat beef for a richer, more flavorful sauce.
Letting the sauce simmer longer can deepen the flavors; aim for up to 2 hours if you have extra time (Serious Eats: Bolognese Sauce Guide).
For an added umami kick, stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Variations on Beef Bolognese with Linguine

Vegetarian Bolognese: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Spicy Bolognese: Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Required Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Pasta pot and strainer
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions for Beef Bolognese with Linguine

Store leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to loosen. Cooked linguine should be stored separately for best texture and eaten within 3 days.

Beef Bolognese with Linguine: Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve this delicious Beef Bolognese over a bed of hot linguine with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Pair with a simple green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon. For dessert, a light lemon sorbet is the perfect finish.

Pro Tips for Exceptional Beef Bolognese with Linguine

Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes off heat before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Sauté vegetables slowly for maximum sweetness and depth (Bon Appétit: Ultimate Beef Bolognese).
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creamy finish.

Beef Bolognese with Linguine FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni work great with this sauce.
Is it OK to omit the wine?
Yes, you can substitute beef broth for wine, though wine adds depth and classic Italian flavor.
Can I make Bolognese sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce often tastes even better the next day. Cool, store, and reheat gently as needed.

For detailed nutrition on Bolognese, visit the Nutritionix Bolognese Sauce page.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Yield: 4–6 servings

Beef Bolognese with Linguine

Why You’ll Love This Beef Bolognese with Linguine

Ingredients for Beef Bolognese with Linguine