Bolognese Sauce

Source: Pappardelle with Bolognese
Yield: Approximately 10 cups

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 carrots - peeled, minced
2 stalks celery - minced
2 cloves garlic - minced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms - minced
1 onion - minced
6 ounces tomato paste
1/2 bottle red wine
2 pounds ground beef
water
salt/pepper
1 pound pappardelle pasta

Heat olive oil in a large, deep sided pan over a medium-high flame. A heavy-duty, enamel stock pot is good for this. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the veggies (carrots through onion) and saute for 20-25 minutes, until soft and tender.

Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper and brown. Once the beef is fully cooked, add the tomato paste. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes. Pour in the wine. Allow the sauce to cook until the liquid has reduced by half. Check seasoning and add additional salt and pepper as required.

Add water to cover the sauce by 1 inch. Simmer on low, stirring as necessary. Continue to cook on low heat for at least 1 hour, adding additional water if needed. Flavor will improve if allowed to cook for 2-3 additional hours.

Prepare pasta according to package directions, serve with bolognese sauce.