There’s something about a plate of Pappardelle Bolognese that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm, comforting hug from your Italian grandma. Picture this: wide, luscious ribbons of pasta twirl around hearty chunks of meat, all drenched in a rich, savory sauce that could make even the most stoic food critic weep with joy. The aroma wafts through the air, enticing you to take that first glorious bite, and as the flavors explode on your palate, time seems to stand still.
I remember the first time I attempted this dish. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I had a fridge full of ingredients and a heart full of hope. Let’s just say my culinary skills were still in their awkward teenage phase. But as I stirred, simmered, and tasted, I felt like a culinary wizard conjuring magic. This Pappardelle Bolognese became not just dinner; it turned into an experience filled with laughter and chaos—perfect for impressing friends or simply indulging yourself on a cozy night in.
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What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Pappardelle Bolognese:
- Pappardelle Pasta: These wide noodles are perfect for capturing the rich sauce. Fresh is best if you can find it!
- Ground Beef: A pound of lean ground beef gives you that hearty texture without being overly greasy.
- Onion: One medium onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Carrot: Finely chopped carrots bring sweetness and color to the mix.
- Celery: Diced celery gives an aromatic base that enhances overall flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that irresistible aroma when cooking.
For the Sauce:
- Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes for a smooth sauce; they’re packed with flavor!
- Red Wine: A splash of red wine elevates the sauce to gourmet status—just don’t forget to save a glass for yourself!
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil works wonders in adding richness to your sauce.
- Dried Oregano: This herb brings an earthy flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Pappardelle Bolognese:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by finely chopping your onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. The finer they are, the more they’ll blend into your sauce!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once it’s hot enough (you know it’s ready when it glistens), throw in your chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until everything softens—about five minutes should do.
Step 3: Add Garlic & Ground Beef
Next up! Stir in your minced garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbled—this should take about eight minutes. Don’t be shy; channel your inner chef!
Step 4: Pour In The Wine
Now comes the fun part: pour in that glorious red wine! Let it simmer for two minutes until it reduces slightly while scraping up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes & Herbs
Stir in canned tomatoes along with dried oregano and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring it all to a gentle simmer then lower heat and let it bubble away for at least thirty minutes—longer if you have time.
Step 6: Cook The Pasta
While your sauce is simmering away like it’s on vacation in Tuscany, cook pappardelle according to package instructions until al dente—usually about four minutes if you’re using fresh pasta.
Finally! Step back and admire your masterpiece before serving! Transfer generous portions onto plates or bowls (or straight from the pot if you’re feeling rebellious) and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.
Dinner served! Enjoy every last bite of this delightful Pappardelle Bolognese—it’ll be gone before you can say “Buon Appetito!”
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Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat in a large pot to develop flavor. While that sizzles, chop your veggies. Cook the pasta just before serving, ensuring it’s al dente and ready to embrace the rich sauce.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. Experiment with fresh herbs or a splash of red wine for added depth. Customize your Pappardelle Bolognese to match your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of water or broth, stirring until heated through and saucy.
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The first time I made Pappardelle Bolognese, my friends declared it “life-changing,” which is a high bar when you’re only making spaghetti! Their rave reviews turned my kitchen into a culinary celebrity spot that night!
FAQs
What is Pappardelle Bolognese?
Pappardelle Bolognese is a traditional Italian dish that features broad, flat pasta paired with a rich and hearty meat sauce. Originating from the Tuscan region, this dish combines slow-cooked beef, pork, or veal with tomatoes, herbs, and aromatic vegetables like onions and garlic. The wide noodles allow for maximum sauce adhesion, creating a delightful dining experience. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions and is best served with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
How do I make Pappardelle Bolognese at home?
Making Pappardelle Bolognese at home involves a few key steps. Start by sautéing chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until soft. Then add minced garlic and ground meat, cooking until browned. Stir in canned tomatoes, wine, and herbs; let it simmer for at least an hour to develop rich flavors. Cook pappardelle according to package instructions before combining it with the sauce. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious meal that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.
What can I serve with Pappardelle Bolognese?
Pappardelle Bolognese pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar can provide balance to the rich flavors of the pasta. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also an excellent choice for soaking up the sauce. For drinks, consider serving red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the meal’s depth. These side dishes enhance your dining experience while keeping the focus on the delicious Pappardelle Bolognese.
Can I make Pappardelle Bolognese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Pappardelle Bolognese ahead of time! In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting for a day in the refrigerator. Prepare the sauce as instructed and allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop while cooking fresh pappardelle pasta. This method allows you to enjoy this comforting dish without much fuss on busy days or during entertaining.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pappardelle Bolognese is a delightful Italian classic that brings comfort to any table. The combination of wide noodles with a savory meat sauce creates a satisfying meal perfect for sharing with loved ones. By following straightforward steps, you can recreate this dish in your kitchen and enjoy its rich flavors anytime you desire. Don’t forget to serve it with complementary sides for an exceptional dining experience featuring Pappardelle Bolognese at its finest!

Pappardelle Bolognese
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Pappardelle Bolognese is a comforting Italian classic that features wide, luscious ribbons of pasta enveloped in a rich meat sauce. This dish combines tender ground beef with aromatic vegetables and a splash of red wine for depth, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings, this recipe is simple enough for novice cooks to master while impressing family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pappardelle pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed canned tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and ground beef; cook until browned (about 8 minutes).
- Pour in red wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes while scraping any brown bits from the pan.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and oregano; season with salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook pappardelle according to package instructions until al dente (about 4 minutes if fresh).
- Combine pasta with sauce before serving; top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg