Name: Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp olive oil; 28 oz canned tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup onion (chopped); 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp oregano; 2 tsp basil; 2 tsp sweetener; salt&pepper (to taste); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2/3 cup Parmesan (grated, to garnish)

This quick bolognese sauce recipe is the ultimate solution for a hearty, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Rich, thick, and full of bold, savory flavors, this sauce blends ground beef, ripe tomatoes, and a fragrant mix of herbs and spices into a perfectly balanced dish.

It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, yet it still tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Serve it over your favorite low-carb noodles, zoodles, or keto-friendly pasta alternatives for a satisfying, homemade comfort food experience.

Close-up of a plate of zucchini pasta beneath a hearty meat sauce garnished with parsley and cheese, with a wedge of Parmesan and herb pot in soft focus above.

Ready in just 35 minutes and made with naturally low-carb, wholesome ingredients, this delicious bolognese saucedelivers incredible flavor with minimal effort—perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a home-cooked meal.

There’s something special about a homemade pasta sauce, especially when life feels hectic and you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. In just a short time, you can have a rich, savory, and comforting bolognese ready to serve with your favorite low-carb pasta, zoodles, or veggie noodles for a complete, satisfying dinner.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 What Is Bolognese Sauce?
2 Why You’re Going to Love This Bolognese Sauce Recipe
3 Ingredients for the Best Bolognese Sauce
4 How To Make A Quick Bolognese Sauce
5 Tips & Variations for the Perfect Bolognese Sauce
6 Serving Ideas
7 Storing Ideas
8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8.1 Can I Make This Recipe With Other Type Of Meat?
- 8.2 Bolognese Sauce Vs. Spaghetti Sauce
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10 Bolognese Sauce Recipe

What Is Bolognese Sauce?

Bolognese sauce, also known as ragù alla bolognese, is a classic Italian meat sauce that originates from Bologna, Italy. Traditionally, it’s made by slow-cooking ground meat (often beef or a mix of beef and pork) with tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, wine, and herbs to create a rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful sauce.

This versatile sauce is most commonly served with pasta—such as tagliatelle, spaghetti, or pappardelle—or layered into lasagna. It can also be paired with low-carb vegetable alternatives like zucchini noodles, roasted eggplant, or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly twist.

Its deep, savory flavor makes it a true comfort food staple and a beloved recipe in kitchens around the world.

Why You’re Going to Love This Bolognese Sauce Recipe

Quick & Convenient – Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Make-Ahead Friendly – The flavors actually improve the next day, so it’s great for meal prep.
Freezer-Friendly – Stores well for up to 3 months, so you can always have a batch ready.
Naturally Low-Carb – Made with wholesome, keto-friendly ingredients and no added sugar.
Versatile & Pairable – Delicious with pasta, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, roasted veggies, or even served over cauliflower mash.
Rich & Flavorful – A deep, hearty taste from the perfect blend of meat, tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
Family-Approved – A comfort food classic that everyone at the table will enjoy—whether they’re keto or not.
Customizable – Easily adjust the herbs, spices, or type of meat to match your preferences.

Tight shot of spiralized zucchini noodles beneath a saucy meat ragu, topped with grated cheese and flecks of parsley, on a white-washed board.

Ingredients for the Best Bolognese Sauce

You only need a handful of pantry staples to make this rich and flavorful sauce:

Olive Oil – For sautéing the aromatics. (Can be replaced with avocado oil or another neutral vegetable oil.)
Ground Beef – I use 85% lean beef for the perfect balance of flavor and less grease.
Canned Tomatoes – Choose a good-quality brand without added sugar for the best taste.
Tomato Paste – Intensifies the rich tomato flavor and deepens the color.
Onion – Finely chopped to add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic Powder – Or substitute with 2 fresh minced garlic cloves for extra aroma.
Dried Herbs – Oregano and basil give a classic Italian flavor. (Feel free to add thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.)
Sweetener – A small amount helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Salt & Pepper – To season perfectly to taste.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For a gentle heat—skip if you prefer mild.
Parmesan Cheese – A must for finishing—freshly grated parmesan adds richness and umami.

High-angle shot of green zucchini spirals crowned by tomato-based Bolognese, a serving fork and striped cloth napkin peeking in at right.

How To Make A Quick Bolognese Sauce

Preparing this sauce is easier than you might think, and you don’t need advanced cooking skills to make it. Here are the simple steps to follow:

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the onion for 2 minutes.
Add the ground beef and brown for 10 minutes until cooked through.
Add the seasonings and tomato paste and mix until well combined.
Add the tomato paste and sweetener, cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the lid and stir using a wooden spoon.
Let it cook for 10 more minutes until the sauce thickens. Turn off the heat and enjoy with some keto pasta or zucchini noodles.

Plate of zucchini zoodles smothered in quick-cook Bolognese, cheese strands visible, with a metallic fork handle angled into the frame.

Tips & Variations for the Perfect Bolognese Sauce

Brown the Meat Well – Don’t rush this step! Allow the beef to caramelize in the pan for a rich, deep flavor.
Boost Flavor with Tomato Paste – Stirring in tomato paste before adding liquids enhances color and creates a concentrated tomato flavor.
Balance the Acidity – A touch of sweetener (such as erythritol, monk fruit, or a pinch of brown sugar) helps smooth the sharpness of tomatoes.
Season Gradually – Add salt in layers as the sauce cooks, tasting along the way to avoid over-seasoning.
Simmer for Depth – Even a quick sauce benefits from 10–15 minutes of gentle simmering to blend flavors.
Let the Sauce Rest – After cooking, let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Finish with Fresh Parmesan – A final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and umami.
Make It Your Own – Try adding mushrooms, diced zucchini, bell peppers, or a splash of red wine for extra complexity.
Spice It Up – If you enjoy heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Serving Ideas

This bolognese sauce can be served with absolutely anything from pasta, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, and zucchini noodles.

You can also use this sugar-free bolognese sauce to make a delicious lasagna.

Storing Ideas

Fridge – You can store any leftovers from this bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Freezer – This bolognese sauce is also freezer-friendly. Add it to a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Recipe With Other Type Of Meat?

Sure, if you are not a fan of ground beef, you can easily replace it with chicken, turkey, or pork ground meat.

Bolognese Sauce Vs. Spaghetti Sauce

The spaghetti sauce is different from the bolognese in one of the ingredients used to prepare it. While bolognese sauce is made from tomatoes and beef, pasta sauce can vary according to everyone’s tastes.

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