Description
This White Bolognese Sauce is a creamy and rich Italian-inspired dish featuring slow-simmered ground beef combined with smoked turkey, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a hint of nutmeg. The unique addition of white grape juice and milk creates a velvety, deeply flavorful sauce that’s perfect for comforting family meals or special dinners.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 oz smoked turkey, diced
- 2 pounds ground beef
Vegetables
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 cup white grape juice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
Herbs and Spices
- 2 bay leaves
- 10 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Other
- 1/4 tsp salt, to taste
- 2-inch parmesan rind
Instructions
- Brown the smoked turkey: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and cook the diced smoked turkey until nicely browned and slightly crisp. Remove the turkey from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Reduce heat to medium and add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Cook slowly, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.
- Cook the ground beef and garlic: Increase heat slightly and add the ground beef along with the minced garlic. Break up the meat with a spoon and season lightly with salt. Cook until the beef is browned all over.
- Deglaze with white grape juice: Pour in the white grape juice and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the grape juice to simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Add broth and herbs: Stir in the chicken broth, bay leaves, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, nutmeg, and parmesan rind. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer covered: Cover the pot and let the sauce cook slowly over low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote flavor development.
- Add milk and finish cooking: Stir in the whole milk, cover again, and continue to cook until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover toward the end to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
- Final seasoning: Skim off any excess grease from the surface, taste the sauce, and adjust salt as needed before serving.
Notes
- Ground lamb can be substituted for beef for a richer flavor.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to incorporate more vegetables and texture.
- Optional splash of cream at the end will increase richness.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes can add mild heat if desired.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding milk or broth to adjust consistency.
- Using parmesan rind adds depth, but grated parmesan can be used instead.
- For a lighter sauce, reduce milk quantity or use low-fat milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
