Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/15 checked
6
servings
6 unit

bacon or pancetta

diced

1.5 cup

yellow onion

chopped

1.25 cup

carrots

finely chopped

0.75 cup

celery

finely chopped

0.75 tsp

salt

0.5 tsp

freshly ground black pepper

1.5 unit

ground chuck

4 tsp

white wine vinegar

1.5 tbsp

garlic

minced

0.33 cup

tomato paste

3 cup

beef broth

reduced-sodium

1.25 cup

whole milk

0.25 cup

heavy cream

0.5 unit

linguine pasta

prepared

1 unit

Parmesan cheese

grated

Step 1
~8 min

Dice the bacon or pancetta.

Step 2
~8 min

Chop the yellow onion.

Step 3
~8 min

Finely chop the carrots.

Step 4
~8 min

Finely chop the celery.

Step 5
~8 min

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until it is crisp and has released almost all of its fat, about 6 minutes.

Step 6
~8 min

This is called rendering.

Key Technique: Rendering
Step 7
~8 min

Add the onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are very soft and lightly browned around the edges, about 6 minutes.

Step 8
~8 min

Add the ground chuck and cook, stirring to break up any clumps, until the meat is browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 9
~8 min

Add the vinegar, garlic, and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 10
~8 min

Add the beef broth and bring to a boil.

Step 11
~8 min

Lower the heat so that the sauce just simmers.

Step 12
~8 min

Simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes.

Step 13
~8 min

Combine the milk and cream in a small mixing bowl.

Step 14
~8 min

After the sauce has simmered for 15 minutes, and at even intervals, start adding the milk-cream mixture little by little--1/4 cup or so at a time over 1 1/2 hours.

Step 15
~8 min

By the end of the 1 1/2 hours, the milk mixture should be completely incorporated and the sauce should be very thick and creamy.

Step 16
~8 min

This sauce is not supposed to be very "saucy"--it should be tender morsels of meat coated by a thick, creamy sauce.

Step 17
~8 min

Transfer the cooked pasta to a large heatproof bowl and add the sauce.

Step 18
~8 min

Toss the pasta with the sauce and serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a richer flavor, use bone broth instead of beef broth.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Sauce can be made a day ahead.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of crusty bread.

Pair with a simple green salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic Bread
Caesar Salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Bologna, Italy

Cultural Significance

A staple of Italian cuisine, often served on special occasions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Easter

Occasion Tags

Family Dinner
Weeknight Meal
Comfort Food

Popularity Score

65/100

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