Pasta Bolognese

Ingredients

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 carrot (finely chopped)
• 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

For the pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine (cooked according to package instructions)
• Water (to cook pasta)
• Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened.
   • Add ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using).
   • Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Cook the pasta:

   • Boil water in a large pot, adding a generous pinch of salt.
   • Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Combine:

   • Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce until well-coated.

4. Serve:

   • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot.