Harry Hamlin Bolognese Recipe

This sauce brings back the kind of kitchen days where the windows fog up and the whole house smells like Sunday!

I first tried it out on a rainy weekend and have kept it bookmarked ever since.

Browning the meat until you see that deep color is the best way to get the richness you want here.

If the sauce still looks thin after an hour, let it go another thirty minutes uncovered—it should cling to your spoon without dripping.

Don’t forget to season after simmering too—tasting at the end helps balance everything once it’s had time to cook down!

I like this one because it gives you the chance to slow down and really build something with layers of texture.

How to Make Harry Hamlin’s Bolognese

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 lb Ground Pork
• 1 Carrot (diced)
• 1 Stick Celery (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 1 can Tomatoes (28 oz.)
• 3/4 cup Tomato Paste
• 5 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup Beef Broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Start by heating the unsalted butter over medium heat in a large pot.

Once melted, add in the ground beef and pork.

Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Step 2:

Add the diced carrot, celery, minced garlic, and chopped onion to the pot.

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and aromatic.

Step 3:

Pour in the canned tomatoes, crushing them slightly with a spoon as you stir them into the mixture.

Add the tomato paste and beef broth.

Step 4:

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer.

Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5:

Serve your delicious bolognese over pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh vegetables and high-quality meats will make a significant difference in flavor, so try to use them whenever possible.

Season to Taste

Feel free to adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or even some red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.

Stir for Consistency

Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to mix perfectly.

Low and Slow

Simmer the sauce longer if needed as this enhances the depth of flavor.

Pasta Choice

This sauce pairs well with spaghetti or tagliatelle, but feel free to explore other pasta options.

What to Serve with Harry Hamlin Bolognese Recipe

Fresh Green Salad

A fresh green salad works wonders as a side with Harry Hamlin’s Bolognese.

You can use mixed greens like spinach and arugula, and throw in some cherry tomatoes for color.

A light vinaigrette with lemon juice adds a zesty contrast to the richness of the sauce!

Garlic Bread

Nothing complements pasta better than a warm, crusty garlic bread.

You can easily make garlic bread by spreading butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley on slices of baguette.

Pop them in the oven until they’re golden brown and serve hot for that classic pairing.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus adds a mildly earthy flavor that pairs nicely with Bolognese sauce.

Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, sprinkle a bit of salt, and roast until tender.

This vibrant green side is not only tasty but also nutritious!

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Grilled portobello mushrooms bring a unique twist to your dinner table.

Brush them with a bit of olive oil and seasoning before grilling for a savory, meaty texture.

These mushrooms absorb flavors well and add a substantial, hearty side dish option.

Polenta Cakes

Polenta cakes are a fantastic and unexpected companion for your Bolognese.

Prepare a firm polenta, cut it into squares or rounds, and sauté until they’re crispy on the outside.

They offer a creamy yet slightly crispy texture, perfect for soaking up the sauce!

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Choices

You can easily swap the ground beef or ground pork for a different type of protein, like ground turkey or chicken, for a lighter variation.

Try using a mix of different meats, such as lamb or veal, to give the dish a unique flavor profile.

Vegetables

Feel free to add more veggies, like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers, to increase the nutritional value of your Bolognese.

If you prefer a really hearty sauce, consider mixing in chopped zucchini or spinach for added bulk.

Sauces and Liquids

Use a vegetable broth instead of beef broth if you’re aiming for a vegetarian variety of the recipe.

Sometimes, just a splash of red wine can add a rich depth to the sauce while still maintaining that classic Bolognese taste.

Pasta Options

Traditional spaghetti is delicious, but you might enjoy pairing the sauce with tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

You can substitute regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options without losing overall taste.

Spices and Herbs

Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or thyme to bring some more aromatic depth to your dish.

Boost the heat level of your Bolognese by adding a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little spice.

How to Store Leftover Harry Hamlin Bolognese

To keep your delicious Harry Hamlin Bolognese fresh, it’s important to store it properly.

Place the Bolognese sauce into an airtight container before refrigerating.

This will help maintain its flavor and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

Refrigeration Tips

Leftover Bolognese can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Make sure to let the sauce cool to room temperature before sealing in the container.

This helps prevent condensation which can affect the sauce’s texture and taste.

Freezing Bolognese

For longer storage, you can freeze the Bolognese sauce for up to three months.

Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags to avoid freezer burn.

Remember to label the container with the date before placing it in the freezer.

Thawing the Sauce

The best way to thaw frozen Bolognese is by transferring it to the fridge the night before you plan to use it.

This gradual thawing process preserves the taste and texture of the sauce.

Avoid leaving it out at room temperature to thaw, as this can compromise safety and quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inadequate Browning

One of the most common mistakes people make with Bolognese is not browning the meat thoroughly enough.

The meat needs to be browned to get that rich flavor, which can take 20 to 30 minutes.

Be patient during this step and make sure all the water evaporates and the meat turns a nice brown color.

Incorrect Pasta Choice

Spaghetti is not the pasta traditionally used with Bolognese!

Tagliatelle pairs better with the sauce due to its texture that holds onto the sauce exceptionally well.

Misuse of Wine

Another mistake is using wine improperly in the cooking process.

Wine should be added before the meat is fully cooked and allowed to simmer so it fully integrates.

Adding it at the wrong time won’t allow the flavors to meld correctly with the sauce.