Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian dish known for its rich, meaty flavors and hearty texture. While traditionally made with ground beef or a combination of meats, we’re taking this Italian favorite to the next level by using succulent and tender Bottom Round Roast. The slow-cooked beef, combined with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and tomatoes, creates a Bolognese sauce that is truly indulgent and comforting. In this unique recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps of creating a delicious and unforgettable Bottom Round Roast Bolognese Sauce that will delight your taste buds.
Understanding the Role of Bottom Round Roast in Bolognese Sauce:
Bottom Round Roast is a fantastic cut of beef for slow-cooking, as its marbling and connective tissue break down during the cooking process, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. When incorporated into a Bolognese sauce, the Bottom Round Roast adds a depth of flavor and richness that elevates the dish to new heights. The meaty goodness of the roast blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a luscious and hearty sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or polenta.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of Bottom Round Roast, cut into small chunks
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup of dry red wine (optional)
- 2 cups of crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preparing the Bottom Round Roast:
- Trim any excess fat from the Bottom Round Roast and cut it into small, bite-sized chunks. Season the meat with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution.
- Browning the Bottom Round Roast:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned Bottom Round Roast chunks to the pot and brown them on all sides, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. This step ensures a rich flavor base for the Bolognese sauce.
- Sautéing the Aromatics:
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot, and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Flavoring the Bolognese Sauce:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the aroma is released.
- Pour in the dry red wine, if using, and simmer until it reduces slightly, adding depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Combining the Ingredients:
- Return the browned Bottom Round Roast to the pot and add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Stir all the ingredients together, ensuring that the Bottom Round Roast is well coated with the tomato mixture.
- Slow Cooking the Bolognese Sauce:
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooking process will tenderize the Bottom Round Roast and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Adjusting Seasonings:
- After the sauce has simmered, taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or dried herbs as needed.
- Serving the Bottom Round Roast Bolognese Sauce:
- Prepare your favorite pasta according to the package instructions, and drain it well.
- Ladle the flavorful Bolognese sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat each strand with the delicious sauce.
- Serve the Bottom Round Roast Bolognese Sauce with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and added freshness.
Conclusion:
This Bottom Round Roast Bolognese Sauce is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite. The slow-cooked Bottom Round Roast creates a luscious and tender meat base, while the combination of vegetables, herbs, and tomatoes adds layers of rich and savory flavors. Whether served over pasta, polenta, or even as a filling for lasagna, this Bottom Round Roast Bolognese Sauce will be a showstopper at your dinner table. Enjoy the hearty and indulgent goodness of this unique Bolognese sauce and impress your loved ones with a comforting and unforgettable meal!