This hearty and delicious Julia Child Bolognese Sauce is perfect for a comforting dinner. It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to use common pantry staples, making it both convenient and flavorful. The rich, slow-simmered meat sauce pairs wonderfully with your favorite pasta, offering a delightful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 14 oz ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3.5 oz carrot, grated (about 1 medium carrot)
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 ¾ cups beef stock (or any stock)
- 14 oz dried spaghetti
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How To Make Bolognese Sauce
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add another tbsp of oil to the same pan. Add diced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Add grated carrot, then return the browned beef and its juices to the pan. Pour in diced tomatoes and stock, stirring well. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook gently for 45 minutes until thick and rich. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
- Mix and Serve: Add the spaghetti to the sauce, toss to combine, and serve hot. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for fresh, high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.
- Finely Dice Vegetables: Cut onions, celery, and carrots into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the sauce.
- Slow Simmer for Depth: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for several hours; this slow cooking process develops a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages, tasting as you go, to achieve a balanced seasoning that enhances the sauce without overpowering it.
- Incorporate Dairy: Adding milk or cream during cooking helps tenderize the meat and imparts a subtle sweetness, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Transfer leftover Bolognese sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, the sauce will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze: Place leftover Bolognese sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover Bolognese sauce on the stovetop over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition Fact
Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 394
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 84mg
- Sodium: 935mg
- Potassium: 735mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 23g
More Julia child Recipes:

Julia Child Bolognese Sauce
Description
This hearty and delicious Julia Child Bolognese Sauce is perfect for a comforting dinner. It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to use common pantry staples, making it both convenient and flavorful. The rich, slow-simmered meat sauce pairs wonderfully with your favorite pasta, offering a delightful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add another tbsp of oil to the same pan. Add diced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Add grated carrot, then return the browned beef and its juices to the pan. Pour in diced tomatoes and stock, stirring well. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook gently for 45 minutes until thick and rich. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
- Mix and Serve: Add the spaghetti to the sauce, toss to combine, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for fresh, high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.
- Finely Dice Vegetables: Cut onions, celery, and carrots into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the sauce.
- Slow Simmer for Depth: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for several hours; this slow cooking process develops a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages, tasting as you go, to achieve a balanced seasoning that enhances the sauce without overpowering it.
- Incorporate Dairy: Adding milk or cream during cooking helps tenderize the meat and imparts a subtle sweetness, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.