Large Batch Bolognese

• olive oil↗4 tbsp
• smoked bacon↗6

  strips, sliced

• onion↗4

  finely chopped

• carrot↗3

  finely chopped

• celery↗4

  stalks, finely chopped

• garlic cloves↗8

  pressed

• dried mixed herbs2 tbsp
• bay leaf↗2
• mushrooms↗500g g

  sliced

• lean beef mince↗1½ kg

  (or half beef, half pork mince)

• canned chopped tomatoes6 x 400g cans
• tomato paste6 tbsp
• red wine↗large glass

  (optional)

• red wine vinegar4 tbsp
• sugar↗1 tbsp
• пармезан↗

  для подачі

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a very large pot. Gently cook the bacon, onion, carrot and celery for about 20 minutes until golden. Add garlic, herbs, bay leaf and mushrooms, then cook for another 2 minutes.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet over very high heat. Break enough meat to cover the bottom, brown it, then add the vegetables. Continue browning the meat in batches until all is used. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste to the meat and vegetables. Deglaze the cans with red wine, if available, or a little water, then pour into the skillet together with the vinegar and sugar. Season generously and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat for 1 hour until the sauce thickens and the meat becomes tender. Serve with pasta and parmesan.

3. 3

   If you want to make this in a slow cooker, check out our slow‑cooker bolognese recipe.