There’s just something about a rich, savory Bolognese sauce tangled up with beautiful ruffled gigli pasta that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s rustic yet elegant, cozy yet a little fancy—basically, the best of both worlds. This dish is the kind of comfort food you crave on a chilly evening or after a long day when all you want is something warm and satisfying. The aroma alone—garlicky, herby, deeply meaty—is enough to make your mouth water before you even take the first bite.
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And can we talk about the pasta? Gigli (aka campanelle) is shaped like little bells or flowers, and it holds sauce so well, it’s basically a flavor trap. Pair that with a slow-simmered, tomato-kissed Bolognese and you’ve got a dinner that tastes like it took hours—but don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
Why You’ll Love Bolognese with Gigli Pasta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Bolognese with Gigli Pasta
Here’s where the magic begins—each ingredient brings something special to the table, and together, they create pure comfort on a plate:
Ground Beef: This forms the hearty, savory base of the sauce. When browned just right, it brings richness and depth that makes this dish irresistibly satisfying.
Onion: Adds a mellow sweetness and essential flavor that builds the base of your sauce. It practically melts into the beef as it cooks.
Garlic: That aromatic punch that makes your kitchen smell amazing—garlic brings a warm, bold bite to balance the richness of the meat.
Carrot: A touch of natural sweetness that gives the sauce a beautiful, rounded flavor. It also adds a pop of color and nutrition.
Celery: Adds a subtle earthiness and balances the sweetness of the carrots. Plus, it’s part of the holy trinity of Italian sofrito!
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and brings richness and umami to the sauce. A little goes a long way.
Crushed Tomatoes: These give the sauce body and that slow-simmered, deep tomato flavor we all love in a classic Bolognese.
Italian Seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs to bring out all the traditional Italian vibes—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
Red Wine (optional): Adds bold, complex depth and brings all the flavors together beautifully. Totally optional but highly recommended if you have it on hand.
Milk or Cream: Softens the acidity of the tomatoes and adds that signature creamy finish to the sauce.
Gigli Pasta: The star of the plate! Its ruffled edges catch every bit of that luscious sauce, making every bite incredibly flavorful.
Parmesan Cheese: For serving, of course. Salty, nutty, and totally necessary to finish off the dish with a flourish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. A good preheat helps brown the meat perfectly and kicks off your flavor-building right.
Cook the Aromatics: Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until they’re soft and fragrant—this is where the flavor starts to build. Add in the garlic and cook just until it smells amazing (about 30 seconds).
Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned, and make sure to drain any excess fat if needed.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor. Then add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a splash of red wine if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer Low and Slow: Let the sauce simmer for at least 20–30 minutes (longer if you have the time). Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk or cream at the end to round everything out.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the gigli pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve a little pasta water.
Combine and Toss: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir gently to coat every ruffle and curve. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen things up.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and maybe a few fresh herbs for good measure.
How to Serve Bolognese with Gigli Pasta
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular pasta for gluten-free or plant-based alternatives.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute gigli pasta with another type?
A1: Absolutely! Try penne, rigatoni, or fusilli—anything that holds sauce well will work beautifully.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to two days in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Totally! Freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before mixing with pasta.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a pan on low heat with a bit of water or stock to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, and it’s a great idea if you’re feeding a crowd or want to meal prep. Just use a larger pot to ensure even cooking.
Q7: What can I use instead of red wine?
A7: You can skip it or replace it with beef broth, balsamic vinegar, or grape juice for a bit of tang.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
A8: Absolutely. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini make great additions and boost the nutrition.
Q9: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A9: Yes! You can even tone down the seasoning a bit if your kids prefer milder flavors.
Q10: Can I make this dairy-free?
A10: You can omit the cream/milk and use a dairy-free alternative. Also, skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese.
And there you have it—your new go-to comfort dish, perfect for any day of the week. Once you try this Bolognese with gigli pasta, it’s going to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s cozy, flavorful, and just the kind of meal that makes you pause and savor every bite. So light a candle, pour yourself a glass of something nice, and dig in. You’ve earned this moment.
Print
Bolognese with Gigli Pasta
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This rich and hearty Homemade Bolognese Sauce is slow-cooked to perfection, pairing wonderfully with Gigli pasta for an authentic Italian meal. It’s packed with savory flavors from beef, pancetta, and a medley of vegetables. A must-try for pasta lovers!
Ingredients
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium carrots or 8–10 baby carrots, peeled, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb ground beef chuck
- 4 oz diced pancetta
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 tbsp beef base
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- Gigli pasta, or pasta of your choice
- kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- parmesan cheese and parsley, for garnishing
Instructions
- Prep the Veggies: Finely chop onion and celery. Peel and grate carrots. Mince garlic.
- Cook the Pancetta: Over medium heat, cook pancetta until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add butter and olive oil to the Dutch oven with pancetta grease. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until browned and water evaporates, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and beef bouillon, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in red wine and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Additional Ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, water (or beef stock), milk, pancetta, bay leaves, oregano, parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer on Low: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if the sauce reduces too much before the meat is tender.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta (Gigli or your choice) according to package instructions.
- Assemble: Transfer pasta to sauce and mix well. Add ¼-½ cup pasta water if needed. Serve topped with fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, or green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or blend the sauce in batches once it’s done simmering.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- If you don’t have Gigli pasta, any other pasta like pappardelle or tagliatelle will work beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg