Hearty Fettuccini Bolognese Sauce

I have experimented with making several different ragu or bolognese sauces, and this is by far the best and most flavorful. It takes a while to make, but is well worth the effort, and keeps very well. It actually seems better the second or third time. Enjoy!

• Preparation Time: 40 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr
• Total Time: 2 hr 40 mins
• Calories: 834 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and pepper to taste
• ½ pound ground veal
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup whole milk
• 6 ounces pancetta bacon, diced
• 1 pound fettuccini pasta
• 5 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid
• ½ pound chopped pork
• ¾ pound mild Italian sausage
• 5 teaspoons chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
• 5 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fettuccini and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

Step 2

Heat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Saute onions, celery, carrots and garlic until tender, about 10 minutes. Increase heat to high and add veal, pork, sausage and pancetta; cook until meats are evenly brown.

Step 3

Stir in tomatoes, chicken broth, milk, parsley, basil and thyme. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 2 1/2 hours; stir occasionally, breaking up tomatoes with spoon as you stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4

Serve fettuccini topped with the sauce and Parmesan cheese.