This Gordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce Recipe is a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, red wine, and aromatic vegetables. Infused with garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce, this dish creates a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta. Ready in 1 hour, this hearty sauce is perfect for a comforting homemade meal.
What is Gordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce?
Gordon Ramsay’s Bolognese Sauce is a classic Italian meat sauce made with ground beef, onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, slow-cooked in a tomato and red wine base. Unlike traditional Italian ragù, this version includes Worcestershire sauce for umami richness and fresh herbs for added depth.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes
- Gordon Ramsay Sautéed Potatoes
- Gordon Ramsay Tournedos Rossini
- Gordon Ramsay Steak Pie
- Gordon Ramsay Mince and Tatties
Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce
- Slow-cooked for deep, rich flavor
- Perfectly balanced with acidity and sweetness
- Versatile—pairs with pasta, lasagna, or polenta
- Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day
- Easy to freeze for a quick homemade meal later
Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce
For the Bolognese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup red wine (or beef broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup beef stock
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 bay leaf
For Garnish & Serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up until browned.
- Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
- Pour in red wine and let it reduce for 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef stock, sugar, and bay leaf.
- Simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve over pasta, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce
- Spaghetti or Tagliatelle to absorb the rich sauce
- Garlic Bread for dipping into the meaty sauce
- Caesar Salad to add a fresh, crisp contrast
- Red Wine (Chianti or Merlot) to enhance the flavors
- Lasagna Sheets for a delicious homemade lasagna
Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce
- Use a mix of beef and pork for more depth of flavor
- Simmer low and slow to develop rich, deep flavors
- Deglaze the pan with red wine for an authentic taste
- Let the sauce rest for a few minutes before serving for the best texture
- Add milk for creaminess—an Italian trick for a velvety finish
Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce
- Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version
- Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor
- Try a dairy-free version by replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast
- Make it extra creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream at the end
Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze for later by storing in portions for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce
- Stovetop method: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock
- Microwave method: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between
- Avoid overheating to keep the meat tender
FAQs
What is the best pasta for Bolognese sauce?
Tagliatelle, spaghetti, or pappardelle work best because they hold the sauce well.
Can I make Bolognese without wine?
Yes! Substitute beef broth or a mix of balsamic vinegar and water for depth.
How do I thicken Bolognese sauce?
Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I make Bolognese sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then simmer on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Final Words
This Gordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce Recipe delivers a rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, lasagna, or polenta. Whether for a cozy family dinner or meal prep, this homemade Bolognese is a must-try. Try it today and enjoy an authentic, restaurant-quality Italian meal at home!
PrintGordon Ramsay Bolognese Sauce Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s Bolognese Sauce is a classic Italian meat sauce made with ground beef, onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, slow-cooked in a tomato and red wine base. Unlike traditional Italian ragù, this version includes Worcestershire sauce for umami richness and fresh herbs for added depth.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup red wine (or beef broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup beef stock
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 bay leaf
For Garnish & Serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up until browned.
- Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
- Pour in red wine and let it reduce for 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef stock, sugar, and bay leaf.
- Simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve over pasta, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.