Butcher's Bolognese

A proper bolognese isn't rushed. This version combines premium beef mince, free-range pork mince and bacon to create a rich, slow-cooked sauce packed with flavour. It's the sort of recipe that fills the house with incredible aromas and rewards a little patience.

The addition of bacon provides extra depth and richness, while a touch of BBQ sauce acts as the secret weapon that ties everything together. Serve it with pappardelle, rigatoni or your favourite pasta and finish generously with parmesan.

Ingredients

• 300g beef mince
• 300g pork mince
• 150g bacon or pancetta, finely chopped
• 1 brown onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 x 400g tin crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Pasta of choice (pappardelle or rigatoni)
• Parmesan, to serve

Method

1. Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over medium heat.
2. Add the bacon and cook until the fat renders and the bacon starts to crisp.
3. Add the onion and cook until soft and lightly caramelised.
4. Stir through the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
5. Add the beef mince and pork mince, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned and lightly caramelised.

6. Deglaze the pot with red wine and simmer until mostly reduced.
7. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, BBQ sauce, salt and black pepper.
8. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring occasionally.
9. Cook your chosen pasta until al dente.
10. Reserve a little pasta water before draining.
11. Toss the pasta through the bolognese sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
12. Serve with plenty of freshly grated parmesan.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2–2½ hours

Shop The Ingredients

Quality ingredients make all the difference in a slow-cooked bolognese. Start with premium mince and award-winning bacon for the best result.

• Premium Beef Mince
• Free Range Pork Mince
• Short Cut Bacon

Visit The Lucky Pig

Looking for quality mince, award-winning bacon and inspiration for your next family meal? Visit The Lucky Pig in Bentleigh or shop online for local delivery and click & collect.

Address:
The Lucky Pig
452 Centre Road
Bentleigh VIC 3204

Map link:
View on Google Maps