Classic Beef Bolognese
Estimated $6.80 recipe · $3.40 per serving (US / USD)
Slow-simmered rich beef ragu with pappardelle pasta and a Parmesan finish.
The recipe
Classic Beef Bolognese
Slow-simmered rich beef ragu with pappardelle pasta and a Parmesan finish.
Ingredients
- 280g beef mince
- 180g pappardelle
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 carrot
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 100ml red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Parmesan to serve
Estimated recipe cost
$6.80 for 2 servings · $3.40 per serving
US grocery planning estimate in USD. Includes the amounts used from the listed ingredients, including pantry items. Prices and portion weights vary.
Ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown
| Ingredient & price basis | Cost used |
|---|---|
| 280g beef mincePlanning assumption · $5.50 / 454 g · Uses 280g | $3.40 |
| 180g pappardellePlanning assumption · $1.00 / 454 g · Uses 180g | $0.40 |
| 1 can crushed tomatoesPlanning assumption · $1.00 / 400 g · Assumes 400 g per can (drained where applicable) | $1.00 |
| 1 onionRetail benchmark · $2.84 / 1361 g · Retail reference · Assumes 150 g per item | $0.31 |
| 2 garlic clovesRetail benchmark · $0.72 / 30 g · Retail reference · Assumes 3 g per item/portion | $0.14 |
| 1 carrotRetail benchmark · $2.26 / 907 g · Retail reference · Assumes 80 g per item | $0.20 |
| 1 tbsp tomato pastePlanning assumption · $1.00 / 170 g · 1 tbsp ≈ 15g | $0.09 |
| 100ml red wine (optional)Planning assumption · $7.00 / 750 ml · Uses 100ml | $0.93 |
| 1 tsp dried oreganoPlanning assumption · $1.30 / 20 g · 1 tsp ≈ 1g | $0.07 |
| Parmesan to servePlanning assumption · $3.00 / 170 g · Unspecified amount: assumes 15 g | $0.26 |
| Estimated total | $6.80 |
Retail references are representative products, not quotes for every variety. Other prices are editorial planning assumptions. Checked 9 October 2026; these are not live prices.
Price bases and quantity assumptions refer to the original recipe. Unspecified quantities use the assumptions shown above. Listed optional ingredients are included. Unlisted sides, extra seasoning, tax, energy and delivery are excluded. Buying full packages will cost more.
Instructions
- Finely dice the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy pan over medium heat. Cook the onion, carrot, and celery 6–8 min, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to colour.
- Add the garlic and cook 1 min more. Push the veg to the sides and add the beef mince. Cook on high, breaking it up, 4–5 min until deeply browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1–2 min. If using, pour in the red wine and let it bubble and reduce for 2 min.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for at least 15–20 min, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.
- Meanwhile, cook the pappardelle in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Add the pasta to the bolognese with a splash of pasta water. Toss well. Serve with grated Parmesan.
Recipe notes
Makes excellent leftovers — the bolognese tastes better the next day.
Estimated nutrition per serving
710 kcal · 42g protein. Values are estimates and vary with brands, substitutions and portions.
Recipe images may be AI-generated illustrations. Nutrition figures are estimates.