Stovetop Fettuccine Bolognese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Stovetop Fettuccine Bolognese is the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and creamy textures, all cooked together in a fraction of the time. The classic Bolognese sauce is made with ground beef, vegetables, tomato paste, milk, and white wine, which gives it an amazing depth of flavor. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a great go-to meal for busy nights when you want something indulgent without hours of preparation.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup white wine

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• ½ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).

2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.

3. Stir in white wine and cook until it has mostly evaporated.

4. Add tomato paste, milk, and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

6. Once the Bolognese sauce has thickened, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring the fettuccine is well-coated.

7. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk in place of regular milk. Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

• Spicy Bolognese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.

• Vegetarian: Use plant-based meat substitutes, such as lentils or mushrooms, in place of the meat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the Bolognese sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra broth or water if needed. You can also microwave the leftovers in a covered dish, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

How can I make the sauce richer?

To add more richness, you can use heavy cream in place of milk, or cook the sauce for a longer time to develop deeper flavors.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Bolognese sauce a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this Bolognese sauce?

Yes, the sauce freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or spaghetti.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a small amount of grated Parmesan.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work well as a leaner alternative to beef in this recipe.

How do I prevent my pasta from sticking?

Make sure to stir the pasta frequently while cooking and use plenty of water with salt. After draining, toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Can I use store-bought Bolognese sauce instead of making it from scratch?

While making your own sauce is the best option for flavor, you can use store-bought Bolognese sauce as a shortcut in this recipe.

What should I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Stovetop Fettuccine Bolognese is a quick and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of Italy into your kitchen in less time than you might expect. With rich meat sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you're cooking for a family or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavor and ease.