Craving that rich, comforting Carrabba's Bolognese? Forget takeout! This recipe lets you recreate the magic of that delicious, slow-simmered sauce right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece! This healthy meal is bursting with flavor and is sure to become one of your best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Cooked pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is a crucial step for building flavor in your delicious dishes.
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Brown the meat: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and red wine. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5-2 hours, or even longer for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! Stir occasionally. This slow cooking process is key to achieving that authentic Carrabba's taste.
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Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the Bolognese sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially puree the sauce after simmering.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and sausage with lentils or mushrooms.
Variations:
- Meat Lovers' Bolognese: Add some cooked Italian sausage or pancetta for extra meaty flavor.
- Mushroom Bolognese: Increase the amount of mushrooms and omit the meat for a vegetarian twist.
- Spicy Bolognese: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 400-500 (depending on pasta and serving size)
- Protein: Around 25-30g
- Fat: Around 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-50g
This Carrabba's copycat Bolognese sauce recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated. It’s a perfect example of a healthy meal that's both satisfying and easy to make. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and savor the taste of homemade cooking! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to for busy weeknights. It's one of the best recipes for its ease and deliciousness.